Source: CalStar Products, Newark, Calif.; CP staff

CalStar will unveil two profiles of high fly ash content architectural brick (ASTM C-216 compliant) and Holland (ASTM C-902 compliant) pavers at the Greenbuild International Conference and Expo, Nov. 11-13 in Phoenix. The launch is in advance of the company’s anticipated December start up of a Caledonia, Wis., production line deriving fly ash from Wisconsin Energy’s Oak Creek station. CalStar’s process of molding masonry units from proprietary mixes, and steam versus kiln curing, results in a 90 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional clay brick production. Fly ash would appear to represent most if not all of the 40 percent post-industrial recycled material the company notes in product specifications.

CalStar’s venture capital backers have enlisted Holcim, Hanson/Pioneer and U.S. Gypsum veteran Michael Kane to head the business. He was most recently senior vice president, Holcim East Region, based in Duluth, Ga.