Geopolymer concrete

At Beton-Lab we want to make impact. We want to commit to the sustainable development goals for 2050. So it’s only normal for us to take someone else into account and thus also the quality of life in the future! That’s why we are working hard to make our concrete more sustainable. Over the years, many ways have been devised to make concrete more sustainable. Of course, concrete is very strong and will last a lifetime (read durable). And the cement that we normally use is also compensated for CO2, but that does not detract from the fact that concrete is responsible for 8% of the annual CO2 emissions worldwide. The major culprit in this is cement. The production of cement requires a lot of energy and a lot of CO2 is released. One kilo of CO2 is released during the production of one kilogram of cement. This process is irreversible. We can accept all those improvements from the leading industry. And 100% CO2 compensation isn’t bad, but we prefer to see it differently. Concrete has been around for a few thousand years. Much has improved, but the discovery and development of concrete did not have the basic principles and problems that we now encounter! CO2 emissions must be drastically reduced, concrete must be 100% recyclable and new sustainable applications must be developed with new materials.

We’ve created a revolutionary binder, which partially or completely replaces cement. This binder is called a Inorganic Polymer; also known as Geopolymer. Geopolymers are cementitious raw materials, which when activated turn into a chain of molecules with cementitious properties. In other words, they work and react the same as cement, but make better and stronger connections. Optically you can’t see any difference between inorganic polymer concrete or regular concrete. In organic polymer concrete therefore looks the same and is better and stronger than ordinary concrete. The best thing, however, is that the production of geopolymers does not require high CO2 emissions. Geopolymers are made from local raw materials such as clay, river sludge, but also residual products from the steel industry (no heavy metals!) And even from biobased residual products! In short, inorganic polymer concrete is made from local (waste) products with no CO2 emissions! Cement-free concrete is just one of the solutions and not the solution. But we’d rather be part of the solution than wait for it to come naturally. Depending on the design, we can now control the extent and use of sustainable replacement materials. That research continues unabated and the possibilities of it continue to increase!

Now we’re not working alone on this cool revolutionary inorganic polymer concrete. We are designers and not binder technicians. We work together with KU Leuven where they created the basic recipe, and others, to develop the best possible composition. Inorganic polymers act the same way as regular cement. Yet they work a little differently. And if we want to make cool concrete designs, with the high aesthetic requirements that we as a Beton-Lab demand from the concrete and our designs, then we have to ensure that it looks perfect and works perfectly!

The first application we developed is a 3D wall tile called Zenith. With peaks and valleys, sharp edges and a rolling smooth surface, the ideal design for testing aesthetic inorganic polymer concrete. Meanwhile it has grown into a whole line of special sustainable wall tiles under the flag of Novel Grey. But we’re not stopping here. Inorganic polymer concrete can be used in table and counter tops, lighting and other indoor and outdoor designs. We can also use geopolymer concrete in tiles and other types of wall cladding. Think of wall tiles or facade panels of a few square meters. For example, we can advise and direct on RC values and we work together with renowned facade assembly companies. Or think of furnishing public spaces, such as parks or other applications for street furniture. We can design and manufacture everything from small to large in durable, sustainable cement-free inorganic polymer concrete.

We believe that cementfree concrete is a major step in making concrete more sustainable. Much bigger than all the other steps being taken now. Is it there yet? Yes. Is it already embraced by everyone? Far from. Is it tricky when we stick our neck out like this? Yes! But we’d rather be part of the solution than stand on the sidelines. A lot still needs to be done, but by using geopolymer concrete as an aesthetic concrete, we can test and show that it is stronger, better and, above all, much more sustainable and environmentally friendly than ordinary concrete.

Many architects, designers and interior architects we speak, are looking for truly environmentally friendly, sustainable solutions for aesthetic design, finishes and product design. What one finds is often exotic, expensive or just shabby. Inorganic polymer concrete is an answer to this. Do you want to join the solution with us and contribute to a more sustainable future? Please contact us so that we can see together what you need to take your step!