Biomason produces a biologically derived binder, biocement, that replaces Portland cement by using engineered bacteria to precipitate calcium carbonate at ambient temperature. The process sequesters up to 0.3 t CO₂ per cubic meter and can be retrofitted to standard concrete mixers, delivering compressive strengths of ≥30 MPa while eliminating kiln emissions. It targets precast manufacturers, ready‑mix producers, and construction firms seeking low‑carbon concrete.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
The production of traditional Portland cement requires high-temperature processing of limestone, generating significant CO₂ emissions and consuming large amounts of energy. This makes concrete manufacturing a major contributor to global carbon footprints and limits the industry's ability to meet climate targets.
Solution
Biomason replaces Portland cement with a biologically produced binder called biocement. Engineered bacteria precipitate calcium carbonate from natural feedstocks, binding aggregate particles into a stable matrix while sequestering carbon in mineral form. The process operates at ambient temperature, eliminating the need for fuel‑intensive kilns and reducing direct emissions. Biocement can be integrated into existing concrete mixing and pressing equipment, delivering conventional strength and durability without the carbon penalty of traditional cement. By delivering a zero‑Portland‑cement concrete product, Biomason enables manufacturers to lower the embodied carbon of their builds.
Target Audience
Primary customers are precast concrete manufacturers, ready‑mix producers, and large‑scale construction firms seeking low‑carbon building materials for infrastructure and commercial projects.
Features
- Engineered microbial strains that catalyze urea hydrolysis and calcium carbonate precipitation in situ
- Ambient‑temperature biocementation reactor that can be retrofitted to standard mixers and block‑press lines
- Use of locally sourced natural aggregates and mineral feedstocks, eliminating reliance on limestone calcination
- Quantified carbon sequestration: each cubic meter of biocement incorporates up to 0.3 t of CO₂ as stable calcium carbonate
- Concrete mix designs achieving compressive strengths comparable to conventional Portland‑cement mixes (≥30 MPa)
- Real‑time process monitoring (pH, temperature, precipitation rate) to ensure consistent product quality
- Scalable industrial workflow demonstrated in a commercial precast factory in Denmark
- Full compliance with construction standards and certifications for structural applications