CO2ncrEAT

Add the magic of networking and support in research and development... and you get innovative and structuring projects, both economically and ecologically!

The strength of Orbix lies in the complementarity of its areas of activity: materials for construction and road infrastructure, technologies aimed at improving the recycling of steel industry waste, and innovation to extend the lifespan of raw materials. The logistics division covers transportation, storage, and handling of materials related to the first two activities.

CARMAT: An Ambitious Project to Valorize Steel Industry Waste

Launched by Orbix (formerly known as Recoval), the "CARMAT" project aimed to validate and optimize an alternative process for recycling slag, a steel industry waste. Orbix processes the slag through crushing and demetallization, turning the resulting aggregates into asphalt or concrete. However, while gravel and sand are commonly used, the fine slag particles were less utilized. Orbix invested in R&D to find a way to valorize these fine particles. It was discovered that they had a particular affinity for CO2, enabling the creation of new materials. After laboratory studies, the CARMAT project sought to validate the carbonation process on full-scale construction blocks in collaboration with UCLouvain, ISSeP, Duferco Wallonie, CSTC, CRR, and CTP. "The support of the MecaTech Cluster helped us invest in the research tool and launch our new activities."

The outcome of the project led to a groundbreaking new initiative, "CO2ncrEAT," and a consortium with Prefer, Fluxys Belgium, and Lhoist to valorize CO2 alongside slag. This exemplary circular innovation allowed them to secure a 4.5 million Euro grant from the European "Innovation Fund Small Scale." Orbix, with its Carbstone technology, remains at the forefront of carbonation.

Fluxys, Prefer, Aperam, and Orbix: Collaborating to Create CO2-Eating Materials

The CO2 emitted during lime production by Lhoist is transported through a two-kilometer pipeline by Fluxys to Prefer, where it is injected, using Orbix's technology, into the aggregates produced by Prefer. This mixture is molded and heated to form masonry blocks that are as durable as conventional concrete blocks used in construction. Aperam’s steel mill joins the loop by using Lhoist’s lime and producing the slag that Orbix uses. As a result, each year, 12,000 tons of CO2 will be captured and reused in a sustainable material, while 8,000 tons will be saved by using secondary raw materials. The consortium aims to produce 100,000 tons annually of innovative "CO2-eating" blocks. Planned investments will solidify the presence of these four Belgian industries locally and establish them as European leaders in large-scale CO2 capture and reuse, pioneers of a negative carbon footprint in the construction sector.