Sustainable construction: Rapeseed-based product to play a major role in carbon-neutral masonry units

A product based on rapeseed has been chosen for use in the binder used in the carbon–neutral masonry units developed by Encos Ltd. The carbon-neutral masonry units are manufactured by binding together secondary or recovered aggregates. The rapeseed-based product, which will be supplied by Croda Europe Limited, will form the bulk ingredient in a proprietary carbon-neutral bio- polymer binder developed by Encos Ltd and known as EncoSol.

Croda Europe Limited has agreed to supply the rapeseed-based product for Encos’ first and follow- on plants from the Croda facilities in Hull, UK and Gouda, The Netherlands. A number of other promising binder additives from the Croda range also have been evaluated during extensive laboratory and pilot plant trials.

Encos products are manufactured using a patented method which is based on research originally carried out at the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds by Dr John Forth into the use of alternative binders in construction materials. The process consumes no water and produces no waste. The EncoSol binder was recently used successfully in production trials of carbon- neutral bricks (Encobricks) at the S. Morris facility in Somerton, Somerset where Encobricks were produced at the rate of 36 bricks every 14 seconds.

Mark Nichols, CEO of Encos Ltd said:
“We are extremely pleased to be working with such a progressive and sustainable chemical company as Croda. We have been collaborating extensively since they pro-actively approached us a year ago and we have concluded that Encos represents a very viable outlet for a number of their products. The quality of this supplier and their products, and their long term commitment to supply will ensure that Encos can progressively build a scale business. ”

Graeme Tweddle, Vice President of Industrial Chemicals, Croda Europe said:
“We are delighted to be working with Encos Ltd in the development of such an innovative and sustainable new product for the construction industry. The use of bio-based materials and their carbon benefits within the construction industry is an exciting development. We are looking forward to continue to work together with Encos as their products and market grow in the coming years.”

Source

Encos Ltd., press release, 2012-10-17.

Supplier

Croda International
Encos Ltd.
University of Leeds (UK)

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