Techrete, Ireland's largest specialist in architectural precast concrete facades, has launched an innovative line of sustainable concrete products aimed at reducing embodied carbon by 50%.

This launch marks a significant milestone as Techrete approaches its 40th anniversary and positions the company as a leader in environmentally-friendly construction materials.

Known for its high-performance solutions, Techrete exports approximately 80% of its products to the UK, where it collaborates with major industry players such as Kier, Mace, McAleer & Rushe, Multiplex, RG Group, Sir Robert McAlpine, Sisk, Vinci, and Wates. This latest product line underscores Techrete's commitment to driving sustainability in construction.

The lower-carbon concrete range is the outcome of a rigorous research and development program, supported by Enterprise Ireland. Through extensive testing and innovation, Techrete explored alternative cement blends and materials that significantly reduce carbon emissions. This effort was bolstered by the UK’s updated concrete standards (BS 8500 1&2 2023), which opened doors for incorporating lower-carbon materials like limestone filler, fly ash, silica fume, and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) into concrete production.

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With 350 employees across Ireland and the UK, including 174 at its headquarters in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, Techrete continues to invest in sustainable advancements that meet the evolving needs of the construction sector.

To bring this innovative product to market and meet growing industry demand, Techrete recognised the need to upgrade its facilities. With support from Enterprise Ireland, the company has invested in a cutting-edge batching plant capable of producing high-performance concrete blends with strengths of up to 100N/mm². This investment ensures Techrete's ability to scale production of the new mixes, securing its position as a competitive exporter of sustainable building materials.

Marcus Sweeney, Non-Executive Chair of Techrete, commented: "Sustainability is no longer an afterthought in construction; it’s a driving force behind procurement decisions. Every project now factors in the carbon load of materials, and our new concrete range addresses this demand. Our focus is twofold: reduce the amount of concrete used through the enhanced performance of high-strength mixes, and integrate substantial amounts of cement replacement materials to lower the carbon footprint. Thanks to the support from Enterprise Ireland, we’ve made significant strides in both areas. We are on track to achieving a 50% reduction in embodied carbon by 2025, setting the stage for our ultimate goal of net-zero by 2030."