Skip to main content
European Commission logo
Enterprise Europe Network

UK company with innovative technology which recycle tiles and ceramic waste into zero-carbon concrete alternative seeks partners for pilot manufacturing production

Summary

Profile Type
  • Technology offer
POD Reference
TOGB20250402019
Term of Validity
3 April 2025 - 3 April 2026
Company's Country
  • United Kingdom
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance
Targeted Countries
  • Turkey
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • Spain
Contact the EEN partner nearest to you for more information.
Find my local partner

General information

Short Summary
UK alternative cement company seeks partnerships with manufacturing organisations for a commercial trial. With the capacity to supply up to 50,000 tons for the trial, this unique technology currently under exploited has potential to significantly drive down carbon emissions and provide competitive advantage to early market entry and adoption, as further legislation drives the change required for carbon reduced cement alternatives. A commercial agreement with technical assistance is sought.
Full Description
UK company established in 2022 has developed an innovative technology to recycle tiles and ceramic waste into a zero-carbon concrete alternative, removing the reliance on cement which is problematic to the environment. Developed through a joint research project with 4 partners including leading Universities, supported by a Research Grant of £150k. Supply chain and commercial conversations already underway with multiple major organisations in the construction and engineering industry.

The company has developed a zero carbon, sustainable alternative to cement and are launching a circular economy initiative and targeting 250,000 Tn per year. Focused on recycling porcelain, ceramics and sanitary ware, they have successfully processed porcelain waste tiles into powder, as a substitute for cement. The company’s solution allows for the replacement of 20% of Portland cement producing a 19.2% reduction in CO2, LCA Index. In addition, they can replace 75% of GGBS (ground granulated blast-furnace slag) with their powder. The company benefits from the Carbon Credits scheme per tonne offset. With the global trend towards zero-landfill solutions, legislation has already started to appear, that supports this innovative solution. Product is at TRL L8.

In the UK alone there is circa 100,000 Tn per year of unused, and 800,000 Tn per year of used porcelain ceramic or sanitary ware sent to landfill or used as aggregate. There is no known tile or sanitary ware facility to enable recycling at scale. Portland cement is highly energy intensive, responsible for about 8% of CO2 emissions. UK imports circa 6,000,000tn of GGBS, which is unsustainable.

The UK company is seeking medium to large scale cement manufacturers in Germany, Italy, Spain and Turkey for a pilot project to use up to 50,000 tons of their tile powder within the partner organisations operations over a 3-year period. Technical support and expertise will be provided to integrate the technology into the partner’s operational manufacture. Partner feedback is sought to support technical product development and exploit commercial opportunities. A commercial agreement with technical assistance is sought.
Advantages and Innovations
The innovation provides significant environmental advantages while maintaining mechanical and physical properties.

Technical reports indicate 20% replacement has zero impact on structural integrity and Newton strength, supporting its use in the construction industry.

The initial aim to replace 30% of cement with ceramic waste has increased to potential for 75% replacement through research and development testing with leading universities, who have also provided tests to accelerate the aging process by 100 years to understand the structural integrity over time.
Stage of Development
  • Available for demonstration
Sustainable Development Goals
  • Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
IPR status
  • IPR applied but not yet granted
IPR notes
Worldwide patent is pending. Copyright and trademark secured

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner
The UK company is seeking medium to large scale cement manufacturers in the construction and marine industries. They will have the capability of producing up to 250,000 tons per year, to use this innovative new product to reduce their carbon footprint through use of supplementary cementitious materials.

Target sector: Construction, coastal defence, marine.

Role/tasks to be performed by the partner: The partner will trial the product through a live pilot and give feedback on milling particle size particular to application.

Partner benefits include access to a cost and efficacy comparative product that will enable potential competitive advantage.

The Partner will have access to technical expertise honed through a 5-year Research and Development phase.
Type and Size of Partner
  • SME 50 - 249
  • Big company
  • SME 11-49
Type of partnership
  • Commercial agreement with technical assistance

Dissemination

Technology keywords
  • 02006001 - Materials, components and systems for construction
  • 02006006 - Construction engineering (design, simulation)
  • 10003004 - Recycling, Recovery
Market keywords
  • 09007002 - Manufacture of construction materials, components and systems
  • 09007004 - Engineering and consulting services related to construction
Sector Groups Involved
  • Maritime Industries and Services
  • Construction
  • Energy-Intensive Industries
Targeted countries
  • Turkey
  • Italy
  • Germany
  • Spain