A prospective University of Strathclyde spinout is developing a process to transform low-value mineral waste into carbon-negative materials that could replace a portion of cement used in construction.
Founded by scientist Dr Philip Salter, Ureaka is combining circular chemistry with mineral processing to produce supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) derived from waste streams. Designed to be used alongside traditional cement in concrete, these materials aim to reduce the overall cement content without requiring changes to existing manufacturing processes.
The project, supported by the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation Centre (IBioIC) Spin Out Fund in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, is now progressing from laboratory research towards commercial application. Current work includes factory-scale modelling and early-stage product testing and validation.
Cement and concrete production are responsible for around 8% of global CO2 emissions, reflecting both the energy-intensive nature of manufacturing and the chemical reactions involved. This makes decarbonisation particularly challenging across the sector.
Ureaka’s approach focuses on converting waste mineral streams, including demolished concrete, into new cement replacement materials. The process recovers key elements such as calcium and silica, while using captured CO2 to form stable carbonate minerals, effectively locking carbon into a solid form.
The resulting SCM is designed as a drop-in powder compatible with standard concrete mixes, allowing manufacturers to reduce their reliance on traditional cement without altering production methods. By utilising waste rather than virgin raw materials, the company also aims to provide a more cost-effective and sustainable input for construction.
Earlier work in biocementation points to additional applications, including soil strengthening for construction projects and the repair of existing concrete structures through mineral formation.
Looking ahead, Ureaka is focused on advancing its carbon-negative SCM towards commercialisation. Backing from IBioIC has enabled the technology to move beyond lab-scale experiments into factory-scale modelling and initial product validation.
The company is now seeking further grant funding and preparing for a seed investment round to support team expansion and continued development. Plans are also underway for third-party testing in a live manufacturing environment, marking a key step towards market readiness.
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Dr Philip Salter, founder and chief executive of Ureaka, said: “Cement is one of the hardest industries to decarbonise because, even if you electrify production, a large share of emissions still comes from the chemical reactions involved. Ureaka is taking a fundamentally different approach: starting with the mineral value already present in waste concrete, reacting it with captured CO2, and turning it into a cement-replacement material that can work within existing supply chains.
“A key priority for us has been ensuring the process can plug into existing manufacturing systems. The supplementary cementitious material we’re developing is designed to work with current concrete production methods, so manufacturers don’t need to change how they operate, but can still reduce the carbon footprint of their products.”
Caroline Kewney, senior impact manager at IBioIC, added: “Construction materials are a significant contributor to global emissions, so there is a clear need for scalable alternatives that can support decarbonisation across the sector. This project demonstrates how industrial biotechnology can turn waste streams into valuable new materials, while also supporting carbon capture and more circular approaches to manufacturing. We’re excited to see what’s next for Ureaka as it progresses towards commercialisation.”
