Bernese carbon capture pioneer Neustark launches first UK Site for CO₂ removal in recycled concrete

Bern-based cleantech Neustark has launched its first UK-based carbon removal site in Greenwich, London, through a new partnership with Aggregate Industries, a member of the Holcim Group.

This new site will be able to store up to 1,000 tons of CO₂ annually, leveraging a process that captures carbon emissions from biomass facilities, liquefies it, and injects it into demolished concrete for reuse in construction. This approach transforms one of the world’s largest waste streams— demolished concrete, which accounts for over a billion tons annually—into a durable carbon sink. This method has already proven successful in Europe, where Neustark has deployed 19 similar sites, collectively removing over 2,500 tons of CO₂ since the company’s commercial debut in 2023.

The UK, with its established supply chain, infrastructure, and government backing for carbon capture and storage (CCS), is seen as a promising market for Neustark’s expansion. However, in the company’s press release, CEO Valentin Gutknecht emphasizes the need for more targeted carbon removal solutions like Neustark’s technology. Unlike traditional CCS methods, which are often limited to temporary storage, Neustark’s solution involves permanent mineralization of CO₂, thereby addressing long-term sustainability goals for the construction industry.

A leader in sustainable carbon removal solutions

“By extending our relationship with Holcim and partnering with Aggregate Industries, we are now bringing this revolutionary technology to the UK,” stated Gutknecht. “The UK government is supporting a competitive carbon market, but greater focus on direct carbon removal is essential for meaningful impact. This collaboration showcases how established industry players and cleantech start-ups can drive substantial environmental change.”

The partnership with Aggregate Industries, a leader in sustainable construction materials, further supports the decarbonization goals of the UK’s construction sector, which is responsible for 37% of global carbon emissions, with cement production alone accounting for 7%. By scaling up Neustark’s technology, the partnership aims to help bring the sector closer to its net-zero targets.

Building on its progress in Europe, Neustark plans to establish approximately 40 additional sites by the end of 2025, strengthening its impact across the continent and positioning itself as a leader in sustainable carbon removal solutions.