Concrete Materials: Traditional Foundations, Sustainable Innovations, and a Vision for the Coming Years

Concrete materials are the fundamental components used in the production of concrete, a widely used construction material known for its strength, durability, and versatility. These materials primarily include cement, water, aggregates (such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone), and, in some cases, additives or admixtures that enhance the properties of the mix. The combination of these materials forms a composite substance that can be molded into a variety of shapes, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, from buildings and roads to bridges and infrastructure projects. As the construction industry continues to evolve, research into more sustainable and innovative concrete materials, such as green cement and recycled aggregates, is shaping the future of this essential building material.

The cement and concrete industry are undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. As we progress through 2025, several key trends and pioneering companies are leading the charge in green construction materials.

2025 Trends in Sustainable Cement and Concrete:  

1. Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): Innovations in CCU are enabling the integration of captured carbon dioxide into concrete production, effectively reducing net emissions. Companies like CarbonCure Technologies have developed methods to inject CO₂ into fresh concrete, where it becomes permanently mineralized, enhancing strength while lowering the carbon footprint.
2. Alternative Binders: The industry is exploring substitutes for traditional Portland cement, which is energy-intensive and emits significant CO₂ during production. Startups such as Cemvision are developing low-carbon alternatives that can reduce emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional methods.
3. Waste Material Utilisation: Incorporating industrial by-products like slag and fly ash into cement formulations not only diverts waste from landfills but also reduces the need for virgin materials. Material Evolution, for instance, utilizes slag from blast furnaces to create sustainable cement, achieving an 85% reduction in pollution compared to traditional cement.
4. Digitalisation and Smart Technologies: The adoption of digital tools, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and predictive analytics, is enhancing quality control and operational efficiency in concrete production. Real-time monitoring of equipment and processes allows for proactive maintenance and optimization, contributing to sustainability goals. Giatec Scientific specialises in smart concrete testing technologies. Their wireless sensors and mobile applications provide real-time data on concrete properties.

Industry Leaders Driving Sustainable Cement Innovation:

• Heidelberg Materials: A global leader in building materials, Heidelberg Materials is actively investing in sustainable practices. The company recently acquired sand operations in central Queensland, Australia, to strengthen its market presence and support sustainable construction initiatives.
• Holcim AG: As one of the world’s largest cement producers, Holcim is investing in startups focused on decarbonizing cement production, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable innovation.
• CEMEX. As a global building materials company, they are committed to reducing its carbon footprint through various initiatives. Efforts include the use of alternative fuels, the incorporation of industrial by-products into their cement formulations, and the implementation of carbon capture technologies

Emerging Startups Making an Impact:  

• Brimstone Energy: This company has developed a process to produce emission-free cement by eliminating the CO₂ emissions typically associated with limestone calcination.
• Fortera: Fortera’s technology captures CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and converts them into a cementitious material, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of concrete. In April 2024, Fortera launched North America’s first climate-friendly cement plant in California, capable of producing 15,000 tons of cement and preventing 9,600 tons of CO₂ emissions annually.
• Concretene: Developed by Nationwide Engineering Research & Development in collaboration with The University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, Concretene is a graphene-enhanced admixture for concrete. It offers significant benefits in strength, faster curing times, and reduced permeability, enabling comparable or greater performance while using less cement

Global CO₂ emissions from cement production (2000-2025). This highlights the historical increase in emissions and the slight decline expected due to sustainability efforts.

This line chart shows the historical trend of carbon dioxide emissions from cement production starting in 2000, climbing steadily over time. The curve peaks around the early 2020s, reflecting the cement industry’s high carbon intensity. However, towards the mid-2020s, there is a slight downward shift, suggesting that sustainability measures, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and regulatory pressures—are beginning to have an impact.

Projected Green Cement Adoption (2015-2035) – Shows the increasing percentage of cement production expected to be from green/sustainable sources.

This upward-sloping graph depicts the growing share of green or sustainable cement within total cement production. In 2015, green cement is shown at a very low percentage of the overall market. Over the next two decades, the line rises sharply, indicating that by 2035, a significant proportion, potentially half or more, of the cement produced could be from environmentally friendly sources. The steepness of the curve suggests an accelerating adoption rate driven by technological advances, government incentives, and increasing market demand for sustainable materials.

Projected CO₂ Reduction from Carbon Capture (2015-2035) – Illustrates the anticipated impact of carbon capture technologies in reducing emissions from cement production.

The final chart illustrates how carbon capture technologies are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions from cement production. Beginning around 2015, the impact is modest, reflecting the technology’s early-stage implementation. Over the next 20 years, the projected line climbs, showing a growing volume of captured emissions. By 2035, carbon capture appears to have a significant role in mitigating the industry’s overall carbon footprint, working alongside other sustainability measures like green cement.
 The momentum towards sustainable cement and concrete is undeniable, with both established companies and innovative startups contributing to a greener future. As these trends continue to evolve, the construction industry is poised to make significant strides in reducing its environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable built environment.

Conclusion

These  trends in the cement industry underscore a rapidly evolving landscape that demands new skill sets and expertise. As green cement adoption accelerates, companies will seek professionals adept in sustainable materials research, environmental compliance, and product innovation. The anticipated rise in carbon capture technology, meanwhile, opens doors for chemical engineers, data scientists, and R&D specialists who can optimize these systems for large-scale implementation.

Moreover, the slight downturn in CO₂ emissions in the near future is encouraging, yet it also signals an urgent need for fresh talent that can sustain and amplify this momentum. Professionals with strong collaboration skills—capable of bridging the gap between environmental science, engineering, and business—will be crucial in helping the cement industry meet both economic and ecological goals.

In my view, this represents an exciting period of transformation, where opportunities abound for forward-thinking candidates. If you’re a job seeker, honing expertise in sustainability, carbon capture, and innovative manufacturing methods will not only make you more competitive but also position you to be part of a critical global effort. For employers, investing in training and development programs—and cultivating a culture of green innovation, will be essential to attracting the best talent and staying ahead in this dynamic sector.

At Gibson Watts, we are experts in this field and in the areas where there is the highest demand for these roles. We use technological tools that allow us to identify candidates who are the best fit, and by interviewing them multiple times, we can provide a curated list of the top individuals in that field, and most importantly, for that specific company. We don’t just match hard skills; we also conduct tests on candidates to assess their attitude and soft skills, helping us understand how they can impact the company and the people they will be managing.