Recycl8 secured an Innovate UK Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge Award, worth £167,000, to carry out testing on its process.

The timescale of the testing phase, which is being carried out in the UK, has been cut by two thirds thanks to this additional funding. Initially scheduled to take place over 2–3 years, the testing process will now take 8–9 months and has already reached the halfway mark.

Recycl8 works in collaboration with the waste-to-energy and global construction industries to transform Incinerator Bottom Ash (IBA) often destined for landfill into a high-performing, low-carbon concrete solution.

The testing is required by the Environment Agency (England and Wales) and SEPA in order for them to reclassify the processed material as a product rather than as waste. Following a successful outcome, the Environment Agency and SEPA would provide Recycl8 with a license to process the IBA and take the final product to market.

Recycl8’s unique process will allow IBA to make up to 60% by volume of the concrete. By replacing high C02 emitting cement and other virgin quarried materials, their technology will help concrete manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve their climate targets.

Ian Skene, founder and managing director of Recycl8, said: “Following a very rigorous application process, we are extremely proud to have received this considerable funding grant from Innovate UK. By expediting the testing process and bringing our process to market ahead of schedule, we can create positive impact quicker as part of our commitment to the Circular Economy and net zero goals. If all UK concrete was made with Recycl8 technology we’d save around 2.1 million tonnes of CO2 – a hugely significant opportunity for both the construction industry and waste to energy industry as they tackle the carbon emissions challenges they face to meet international net zero targets.

“What’s more, as a company we are very gratified that the value our process adds to the Circular Economy, and the viability of our business proposition has been recognised by such a prestigious national organisation.”