Manchester-based nanotechnology company Concretene has raised £3 million in funding to commercialize its graphene-enhanced concrete admixture, aimed at reducing carbon emissions in construction. The investment round was led by Molten Ventures, with additional backing from LocalGlobe, a previous supporter of the company.
Concretene’s technology arrives at a crucial time for the construction industry, which has long been associated with significant carbon emissions. The company’s graphene-enhanced concrete admixture is designed to strengthen concrete while reducing the use of cement, a major source of CO2 emissions. Cement production accounts for approximately 85% of the carbon footprint of concrete, making this development a significant step toward greener building practices.
The recent investment will support the further development and commercialization of this material. Mike Harrison, Chief Operating Officer at Concretene, welcomed the funding, stating, “We are pleased to have Molten Ventures on board with us and LocalGlobe, as we work towards reducing the carbon footprint of concrete.”
The construction industry, known for being one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize, is increasingly looking to materials that offer sustainable solutions without requiring significant changes to existing processes. Concretene’s admixture offers the advantage of being deployable without new equipment or additional training, making it a practical option for widespread use.
Concretene’s work began in Manchester, the birthplace of graphene research. The company was founded by civil engineers Rob Hibberd and Alex McDermott, who collaborated with the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) to develop the initial product. Initial tests showed a 25-30% improvement in concrete strength in laboratory settings, while field trials demonstrated a 17% strength increase and a 10-15% reduction in CO2 emissions from concrete production.
This latest round of funding will help Concretene scale up production, with plans to partner with pre-cast manufacturer Roger Bullivant and global cement company Cemex. The company is also benefiting from £1.2 million in grant funding from Innovate UK, secured in 2023.
Concretene’s blend of nanomaterial science and construction expertise has attracted the attention of investors looking to support sustainable technologies. George Chalmers, Head of Climate at Molten Ventures, highlighted the company’s progress: “Concretene has moved from laboratory testing to real-world applications, and its technology is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on carbon reduction in the construction industry.”
The funding will also allow Concretene to strengthen its partnership with engineering consultancy Arup, which is working with the company on testing and standardizing the product for broader commercial use. Arup’s concrete materials lead, Dr. Fragkoulis Kanavaris, noted that the company is making strides in data analysis and graphene formulations, enhancing confidence in the product’s potential.
Beyond immediate carbon savings, Concretene’s graphene-enhanced concrete has the potential to improve the durability and longevity of construction materials. Graphene enhances the microstructure of concrete, making it more resistant to water and salts, which could lead to long-term reductions in repair and maintenance costs.
Concretene’s presence in Manchester’s £1.7 billion innovation district, branded as “Sister,” aligns with the city’s goal of becoming a leader in technology and sustainability. As the company continues to scale, it aims to demonstrate that graphene, one of the smallest materials, could play a pivotal role in reducing the environmental impact of global construction.
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By Proptechbuzz
By Ravi Kumar
