A complete portfolio of solutions and services as a contribution to reducing the environmental impact of the production of concrete

Concrete is far from being considered a sustainable material, particularly due to the massive amounts of CO₂ emissions associated with the production of Portland cement. Amongst the various levers in the hands of the cement industry to control greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 2°C by 2100, relative to preindustrial levels (2DS Scenario), the industry has a number of innovative technologies that will assist in reducing its carbon footprint. These include carbon capture and reducing clinker/cement ratio.

One such approach is the use of Secondary Cementitious Materials (SCM) (such as blast-furnace slag, fly ash and natural pozzolans) to partially replace clinker in the manufacture of cement. This is a fundamental part of the strategy enabling the entire chain to reduce CO₂ emissions by 55% by 2030 and to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2050.

The use of cement with lower clinker content and recycled aggregates in concrete production presents several challenges however for the concrete industry. Mixes generally will demand increased water contents, achieving and maintaining optimal theological properties and, the slower development of the mechanical strength at both early and late stage.

At Mapei we are committed to improving the sustainability of the construction industry, whilst supporting our customers in this very dynamic environment. To this end we have developed the CUBE system. An integrated approach that helps the concrete industry overcome the difficulties of reduced clinker cements and aggregates of varying quality through the various phases. Production, placement and in situ. CUBE actively helps the industry maintain its high standards whilst reducing the climatic impact.