£500K grant for sustainable cement production facility

A new cement manufacturing site is being launched by Innovative Ash Solutions (IAS), after receiving a £500,000 grant.

This funding will support the development of a facility capable of processing up to 20,000 tonnes of incineration fly, cyclone and boiler ash, into a sustainable form of pulverised fuel ash (PFA), a key ingredient used in cement.

Cement, a key ingredient in concrete, has a massive carbon footprint and is the source of about 8% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions - more than aviation fuel (2.5%).

Sustainable cement: cheaper & with a lower environmental impact 

This facility is a joint venture between Levenseat Limited, a leading player in the Scottish waste and resource management sector and Organic Innovative Solutions Limited. 

IAS’ patented process diverts waste materials from landfill and avoids the use of virgin sand. This creates cheaper cement, which will reduce the environmental impact of concrete production.

The production facility, which will be located on Levenseat’s site in South Lanarkshire, is due to be commissioned by the end of 2022, but it has already received applications of interest.

When fully functional, the new facility will enable carbon savings of up to 6,104 tonnes of CO2e per year, the equivalent of:

• 2,847 commercial flights, or
• 3,260 cars on the road

Moving from a wasteful economy to a sustainable one

“We’re delighted to have secured this significant award from Zero Waste Scotland’s Circular Economy Investment Fund”, said Robert Green (pictured) Innovative Ash Solutions Director. “It will enable us to scale production of the innovative PFA replacement developed in partnership with Strathclyde University and CSIC. Our product not only provides a cheaper concrete option, it also means lower emission concrete production by using a safe, accredited end-of-waste solution made from materials diverted from landfill sites. This provides a win-win scenario for construction companies which are facing rising costs and additional pressures to lower their carbon footprint.” 

"Today's award underlines the Scottish Government's support for collaborations between business and academia to achieve sustainable construction solutions and develop Scottish supply chains”, said Ivan McKee, Trade Minister. "I applaud IAS and its partners for developing an innovative carbon-reducing PFA replacement product. This is a tribute to the innovation and adaptability displayed by businesses. We want to work with them and others to build an economy for everyone by delivering greater, greener and fairer prosperity. This funding award from Zero Waste Scotland will help transform the idea into a viable business which will further support Scotland's net zero ambitions."

“To truly end our contribution to the climate crisis we need to tackle overconsumption and switch from a wasteful linear economy to a circular economy”, Jill Farrell, Director, Customer Engagement and Communications, at Zero Waste Scotland. “Construction relies heavily on finite resources, which is why we’re committed to helping businesses, such as Innovative Ash Solutions and its partners, in developing bold, ingenious, and sustainable construction solutions that reduce the demand for and waste of virgin materials.

“Innovative companies in Scotland are truly leading the way in finding solutions to some of our biggest challenges in the construction industry. I’m thrilled that support from the Circular Economy Investment Fund will enable IAS to continue to build a more environmentally friendly future while contributing to Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.”