Ecocem launch Global Materials Science Advisory Council
Company establishes expert science council to accelerate innovation and adoption of low-carbon cement
FOLLOWING their Materials Science Symposium in Paris, Ecocem – Europe’s leading provider of low-carbon cement technologies – have announced the creation of a new Materials Science Advisory Council to accelerate the development and global adoption of low-carbon cement.
The Council will bring together 11 leading materials scientists from internationally recognized institutions. Importantly, their expertise will build on Ecocem’s long-standing research partnerships, which have already contributed to the company’s Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT) – a breakthrough cement solution capable of reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared with traditional cement.
With cement production responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions, the Council has been tasked with:
Delivering an annual statement of research and innovation priorities to decarbonize cement and concrete production globally.
Reviewing and exchanging insights from global research programmes and identifying new avenues for collaboration.
Providing independent scientific perspectives on materials and processes to policymakers, standards bodies, and industry groups.
The Advisory Council’s formation follows Ecocem’s recent Science Symposium, where academics, industry leaders, and construction partners discussed the industrialization of next-generation low-carbon technologies. A key theme was the need for stronger collaboration between science, policy, industry and investors to accelerate market adoption and close the gap between technical potential and commercial deployment.
Commenting on the new council announcement, Donal O’Riain, founder and managing director of Ecocem, said: ‘If we take the right action now, the cement industry can decarbonize globally by 2040 – 10 years ahead of schedule, without high cost, and without carbon capture. We can already deliver a 70% reduction in CO2 without additional cost. What the industry needs is urgent alignment between research, regulation, policy, and practice, to move from demonstration to full-scale, global adoption.
‘The Materials Science Advisory Council will work to build awareness and provide the independent scientific insight needed to maximize the industry’s potential to achieve decarbonisation of the sector 10 years ahead of schedule.’
Roberta Alfani, director of research and innovation at Ecocem, added: ‘Materials science has advanced to a point where the global decarbonization of cement using alternative materials, and without major process investments, is not just possible – it is a reality. But we need firm action today, and the purpose of the Materials Science Advisory Council is to provide science-based evidence and support continuous dialogue between leading academics, policy makers, industry partners, and funders.’
The new Council reinforces Ecocem’s long-term commitment to innovation and scientific partnership. The business has invested more than €70 million in research and development over the past decade, including a new state-of-the-art Research and Innovation Centre in France.
