Forge Minerals
20 June 2025
Material Evolution, a UK-based company, has developed a novel ultra-low-carbon cement that could significantly reduce the environmental impact of construction. Traditional cement production is responsible for around 8% of total global CO₂ emissions, since it accounts for up to 80% of concrete’s carbon footprint. Concrete, in turn, represents around 50% of the carbon emissions of typical building projects.
Material Evolution’s solution MevoCem, is an alternative cement made using industrial byproducts, using the company’s patented alkali fusion process. Using these materials both reduces the need for carbon-intensive raw materials and diverts waste into useful products. The alkali fusion process requires no heat, unlike traditional cement. Finally, the company uses AI and ML technology to optimise the R&D process. The result is a cement with up to 85% reduction in emissions, while also meeting or exceeding existing performance standards. Future cement products – already proven in the lab – can achieve net zero and even be carbon negative.
MevoCem is not only more sustainable, but also expected to be more durable, meaning that the structures built with it are likely to last longer, further improving environmental outcomes over time. The cement has already progressed from lab testing to real-world use on construction sites and is now being manufactured at the company’s first self-funded production facility, which is capable of producing 120,000 tonnes per year.
The team behind Material Evolution combines scientific expertise with commercial focus, aiming to scale the technology rapidly and work collaboratively with partners across the construction industry. Their long-term ambition is to avoid one gigatonne of CO₂ emissions by 2040.
By transforming how cement is made and used, Material Evolution is enabling a circular, low-carbon model for construction. Their innovation helps tackle both industrial waste and emissions, making it a strong example of how climate solutions can be both practical and impactful.
Dr Jennifer Unsworth, Partner – HGF Limited.
“At HGF, we are proud to support Material Evolution as they pioneer ultra-low-carbon, high-performance cement solutions. Their innovative fusion of advanced chemistry and AI-driven material development is not only transforming the construction industry but also setting new standards for sustainable innovation. It is a privilege to work with them to help protect and advance technologies that are shaping a greener future.” –
Dr. Liz Gilligan, Co-founder and CEO.
“Working with HGF has been instrumental in helping us protect and scale the scientific breakthroughs at the core of Material Evolution. Their expertise ensures that our innovations—rooted in chemistry, data, and sustainability—can be safely deployed to accelerate our mission to decarbonise the built environment.”
Material Evolutions, Teeside, UK. Picture date: Wednesday September 11, 2024. Photo credit: Dominic Lipinski
Material Evolutions, Teeside, UK. Picture date: Wednesday September 11, 2024. Photo credit: Dominic Lipinski
Material Evolutions, Teeside, UK. Picture date: Wednesday September 11, 2024. Photo credit: Dominic Lipinski
