Thomas Concrete Group and Boliden deepen their research collaboration

Thomas Concrete Group and Boliden have signed a long-term research and development agreement with the goal of developing and optimizing an alternative binder for concrete, based on the SCMentum product concept developed by Boliden.

The new agreement, signed in February, builds on the collaboration initiated by the two companies in early 2023. The partners will now carry out several joint research projects to further develop the product concept, as well as test it in various construction projects and strengthen its role in future sustainable urban development.

“This collaboration is important, not only for us and Boliden, but for the entire concrete industry. We need sustainable alternatives and with our combined expertise and proximity – both geographically and culturally – we see great opportunities to make a difference,” says Lennart Björnström, COO at Thomas Concrete Group.

Energy-efficient binder with great potential
The alternative binder is both energy-efficient and locally produced in Skellefteå, reducing the climate impact of long-distance transportation.

“We see great potential in developing the product concept into a climate-smart, comprehensive solution that can contribute to the transformation of the construction industry and the goal of low-carbon concrete,” says Lennart Björnström.

“Collaboration is a key to improve the industry’s resource utilization. We are hopeful about the continued development and the new agreement with Thomas Concrete Group gives us further confidence that we are on the right track,” says Åke Roos, Product Manager at Boliden.

An important part of this new research collaboration is to work towards the integration of the new binder into Swedish concrete standards. Already back in 2012, Thomas Concrete Group became the first company in Sweden to introduce low-carbon concrete. With its expertise, international experience and accredited testing operations, the company has long supported research and development in sustainable construction.

For further information, please contact:

Hans Karlander, CEO and President of Thomas Concrete Group AB

hans.karlander@thomasconcretegroup.com

+46 10 450 50 00