MnROAD demonstration proves binders’ CO2 reduction efficacy

Carbon Upcycling Technologies Inc., Calgary-based developer of supplementary cementitious materials and carbon management methods, has completed a three-year study on the use of low-carbon cement in highway pavement, teaming with Minnesota Department of Transportation and the National Road Research Alliance (NRRA). Managed by Sutter Engineering LLC of Michigan and sponsored by the NRRA, the study rigorously tested 16 unique concrete mixtures in real-world conditions on an active Minnesota highway to identify options that could reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure without sacrificing strength or durability.

The MnROAD demonstration loop along Interstate 94, north of the Twin Cities, facilitated testing of sections paved with concrete bearing Carbon Upcycling materials and 15 other low carbon binders. Since 2021, Carbon Upcycling has deployed over 3,000 tonnes of binder and attracted investment from global producers Cemex, CRH and Titan Cement.

The study revealed performance and environmental benefits of Carbon Upcycling’s concrete mix as measured against an advanced control mix: 28 percent stronger at 28 days and 32 percent stronger at 56 days, coupled with a 12.5 percent reduction in cementitious material, effectively reducing both carbon emissions and material costs. The findings inform future low-carbon infrastructure projects across North America, Carbon Upcycling notes, as the seamless integration into existing workflows offers a drop-in, low-carbon alternative without compromising ease of use or performance.

“Infrastructure is the very foundation of a sustainable future, and at Carbon Upcycling we’re committed to creating materials that support this vision while establishing a secure, stable North American supply chain,” says CEO Apoorv Sinha. “Our collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation highlights how Carbon Upcycling can transform captured emissions into local materials that strengthen our infrastructure. By focusing on resilience and sustainability, we’re contributing to a vision where our essential structures are clean and built to last.”

“Carbon Upcycling’s material not only achieved the highest reduction in cementitious content among all submissions but also demonstrated remarkable strength,” adds Project Technical Manager Larry Sutter. “By embedding carbon dioxide and reducing the reliance on portland cement, Carbon Upcycling’s technology addresses one of the concrete industry’s most pressing challenges—lowering its carbon footprint as global demand for cement is expected to double by 2050. This project data will be invaluable as the industry works toward its 2030 CO2 reduction targets.”