Innovative cement technology from California startup reduces carbon emissions

California startup Fortera has developed a cutting-edge technology that captures and recycles carbon emissions from cement production, with its first commercial application launching at a major facility in Redding, as reported by Isabella O’Malley for The Associated Press. Fortera, a startup based in California, has created a revolutionary technology that captures carbon emissions during cement production and reintroduces them into the process, potentially reducing the industry’s significant carbon footprint. The technology will be implemented at a CalPortland facility in Redding, California, representing its first large-scale commercial application. Initial production will combine the new low-carbon product with traditional materials, with the goal of achieving a 10% reduction in carbon emissions, while aiming to significantly increase this reduction over time.

Fortera CEO Ryan Gilliam explained, “Our target is about being a ubiquitous solution that can work really at any plant,” showcasing the company’s ambition to revolutionize the cement production industry. The significance of this development lies in the fact that cement production is a major source of global carbon dioxide emissions, essential for modern infrastructure development but environmentally damaging. Efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of cement production currently include enhancing energy efficiency, utilizing alternative fuels such as waste and biomass, and creating innovative materials that can substitute traditional cement. In the United States, increased construction activity exposes workers to unregulated toxic substances, highlighting the urgency for innovative solutions like Fortera’s technology.