Holcim invests in Sublime Systems

Holcim has invested in Sublime Systems, a US-based startup that has developed a pioneering method for producing low-carbon cement using a CO₂-free electrochemical process.

This process uses clean electricity and carbon-free raw materials, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement, which is responsible for a large proportion of the cement industry’s emissions.

This investment will fund Sublime's first commercial manufacturing facility in Massachusetts, expected to produce 30,000 tonnes of low-carbon cement annually by 2026. Holcim will secure a substantial portion of this cement output and will work alongside Sublime to develop additional large-scale production facilities. The goal is to accelerate the market deployment of this cutting-edge technology, helping to meet global carbon reduction targets.

Sublime Systems, co-founder Dr. Leah Ellis, said: “By pairing Sublime’s technology with Holcim’s advanced global operations, we can scale up our impact together.” The technology promises to drastically reduce carbon emissions throughout the entire production process.

This partnership is part of Holcim’s broader commitment to decarbonising the construction industry. Holcim is working on several initiatives to meet its 2030 and 2050 net-zero goals, which include innovative low-carbon materials such as calcined clay and cement made from recycled demolition materials. The company is also developing carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) projects that aim to produce 8 million tonnes of decarbonised cement per year by 2030.

Holcim’s chief sustainability officer, Nollaig Forrest, highlighted the importance of such technologies in driving the industry towards net zero, stating: "This investment advances our strategy to decarbonise construction by scaling up the most innovative technologies across our operations.”

Through ventures like Holcim MAQER, the company continues to collaborate with startups like Sublime Systems to bring sustainable solutions to the construction sector on a global scale.