A division of Holcim has begun using Aggneo – a recycled aggregate 20 per cent lighter than traditional aggregate – to reduce emissions across its Polish operations.
The multinational’s Polish arm – Lafarge Polska – had set a goal to introduce this product type in its Sustainable Development Strategy to 2030.
With this ticked off, Lafarge Polska hopes to produce one million tonnes of Aggneo per year to help in the fight against climate change.
The product uses demolition concrete as an aggregate and has satisfied BREEAM and LEED certification for structural integrity.
Both certifications provide third party quality assurance, the former with a focus on responsible environmental social governance (ESG) values.
As Aggneo is rolled out around the world by Holcim’s global network, the company will seek to produce the recycled aggregate as close to construction sites as possible in a bid to reduce carbon emissions associated with transport.
Countries like France and Canada have already seen the benefits of Aggneo.
In Bordeaux, France, a social housing project was completed using 4000 cubic metres of concrete using the recycled aggregate.
Planners of the six-storey structure chose Lafarge specifically for its capabilities in recycled aggregates, as this was a focus of the project.
By 2025, Holcim expects to produce 70,000 tonnes from each of its Aggneo facilities in France, which will be purpose-built near concrete plants for convenience and sustainability.
This would allow for a reduction of 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
Aggneo can be used in a wide range of applications including roads, highways, bridges and houses.
The global Holcim Group recently rebadged its name from LafargeHolcim but there are divisions of its operations – such as Poland – that still carry the Lafarge badge. The Australian division has always used the Holcim badge.
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