About

Cement manufacturing is among the most carbon-intensive industrial activities, largely because today’s dominant binder Portland cement relies on limestone calcination and high-temperature kilns powered mostly by fossil fuels. Reducing these emissions requires alternative chemistries and processes that break away from the constraints of the traditional clinker-based system.

The CONCERTO project directly addresses this climate impact by developing a novel, low-carbon alternative: a hydraulic binder based on magnesium-silicate (silico-magnesian) minerals. Building on a groundbreaking, scalable process pioneered by CNRS, this cement is produced from ultramafic rocks, thereby eliminating the CO₂ emissions from limestone calcination. The manufacturing process is also inherently suited to full electrification and, if powered by decarbonized energy, the cement can achieve a net-negative carbon footprint through subsequent carbonation.

Ultramafic rocks, the primary raw material, are abundant in accessible near the surface deposits within global ophiolite belts, often located near coasts to facilitate efficient mining and transportation. This widespread availability highlights the high potential for large-scale production and global market expansion. The resulting cement is non-irritant, fast-hardening, and designed for easy end-of-life recycling, making it immediately suitable for specialized applications such as tile adhesives, radioactive waste storage, and for techniques like 3D printing or precast element manufacturing.

The project is structured into seven interconnected work packages, uniting a consortium of partners in a collaborative effort that spans the entire development chain.

The research begins by focusing on the study of raw material activation mechanisms to optimize the production process. This work is followed by binder optimization, where a team will design key performance aspects such as rheology for processability, early strength development, and long-term mechanical properties. Furthermore, an in-depth investigation of the material’s hydration mechanisms will guide the creation of new admixtures compatible with the new binder, to optimize the material’s performance. The developed formulations will then undergo rigorous durability assessment to ensure long-term resilience. Finally, the research will translate these findings into practice by defining primary applications and conducting large-scale validation tests, with a specific emphasis on the precast concrete industry. This integrated roadmap is designed to advance a market-ready product within 3 to 4 years.

Ultimately, CONCERTO aims to develop a scalable, cost-competitive, and recyclable binder that directly tackles the climate impact of construction. The core ambition is to deliver a high-performance, durable cement with a radically low carbon footprint, creating a truly sustainable and circular alternative to Portland cement for the future built environment.