Carbon8 develops and commercializes carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology to help hard-to-abate sectors decarbonize, and shift these industries to a more circular operation by converting their waste streams into assets for commercial use. Their solution helps industries like cement, Energy from Waste, steel and paper, achieve their NetZero targets, whilst valorizing the wastes currently sent to landfill.
Carbon8’s patented Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT) process combines industrial waste and residues with captured CO₂ from point source to produce new materials for applications in construction. Through the deployment of our CO₂ntainer, the process becomes a Plug ‘n Play solution, which is scalable and modular.
Interview with David Clemmitt, Chief Engineer, BEng (Hons) CEng FIMechE
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
David Clemmitt: Our solution offers industry a proven, credible carbon capture solution, with the distinct advantages of permanent carbon capture and commercial reuse of waste/industrial residences. Our solution avoids waste going to landfill and is an exemplar of circular economy in action for industries that need real and ready solutions today.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
D.C: Our CO₂ntainer is our main product that we are marketing to heavy industries in the Europe and worldwide. It’s a modular, Plug ‘n Play solution that is deployed onsite; it helps our clients reduce their carbon footprint, use their waste residues and manufacture new products. It’s a great example of the “circular economy” in practice – all housed within two 40FT shipping containers.
Our first commercial CO₂ntainer was deployed in 2020 at a Vicat Group cement plant at Montalieu, near Lyon in France.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
D.C: Our solution comes in two forms: in the onsite containerized solution, via The CO₂ntainer, or as a standalone plant using pure CO₂.
The ACT process mineralizes and stabilizes industrial by-products or residues to produce a granular solid. Our expertise in the carbonation process means that we are able to control the physical characteristics of the end-product; CircaBuild and CircaGrow. These new materials are carbon negative alternatives to natural aggregate and fertiliser. Our CircaBuild aggregate has various applications in construction including in concrete blocks, ready-mix concrete and as green roofing substrate.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
D.C: We are still at a relatively early stage in our commercial development but with the support of our investors and partners, including FLSmidth), we have great confidence in realizing our ambitions. Their support is hugely valuable to support and accelerate the growth of our business, and maximizing the impacts we offer.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
D.C: The development and commercial deployment of CCUS in heavy industry is critical if the NetZero goals are to be achieved. For example, the global cement industry is responsible for 8-10% of global CO₂ emissions and the industry recognizes that it must take action.
Given the need to reduce emissions, there has been considerable investment in a range of CCUS technologies and investment in R&D is ongoing. There is a clear and pressing need for CCUS solutions and to shift to more sustainable business practices that can be ready and applied today and we have a proven technology, so we are excited about our future.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
D.C: The CO₂ntainer, and the development of ACT, is the outcome of over 20 years of R&D. In this sense, it is hugely innovative and is the first the be able to offer onsite CCUS in this way. Specifically, manufacturing a new product onsite as well.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?
D.C: Over the next 12-24 months, we will continue to focus our resources on R&D and developing and scaling-up our CCUS technology. We will also continue to identify and recruit the very best people in order to strengthen our team, whilst seeking to expand into new markets through new commercial agreements. We expect to announce several commercial agreements before the end of the year.