Betolar and Saudi Readymix have developed two low-carbon concrete formulations as part of a joint project, marking significant progress in sustainable concrete technology.

This collaboration aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to the kingdom's journey towards environmentally responsible construction practices.

Saudi Readymix Technology & Strategy director Chris Leptokaridis said: "Saudi Readymix has been at the forefront of developing new technologies to meet our customers' increasing demand for eco-friendly, low-CO₂ [carbon dioxide] solutions.

"Our partnership with Betolar has enabled us to successfully deliver on this goal, offering groundbreaking concrete recipes that significantly reduce carbon emissions."

One of the two new mixes is a fully cement-free formulation, offering a substantial reduction in carbon emissions. The other features an ultra-low cement content of 2.5%, pushing the boundaries of sustainability in concrete production.

The development of these concrete solutions used alternative materials such as ground-granulated blast furnace slag and natural pozzolans.

Betolar's Geoprime technology was crucial in enabling these binders to meet the required performance standards. After extensive testing for slump and compressive strength, the new low-carbon mixes have proven to be practical and scalable for the Saudi Arabian market.

These concrete solutions are poised to meet the immediate needs of the construction industry while also supporting Saudi Arabia's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.

Betolar, established in 2016 in Kannonkoski, Finland, develops low-carbon and waste-free solutions in the materials technology sector. Meanwhile, Saudi Readymix brings more than four decades of experience to the table, offering advanced concrete solutions that are evolving with the kingdom's infrastructure projects.

Betolar senior researcher Ahmad Alzaza said: "This project pushed the boundaries of innovation by bringing low-carbon technology into the ready-mix concrete space. We are proud to have contributed to a solution that will help advance sustainable construction across Saudi Arabia."