UK’s largest low-carbon cement plant opens

Material Evolution has opened the UK’s largest ultra-low carbon cement production facility in Wrexham, Wales. The Mevo A1 Production Facility, operational since October 2024, can produce 120,000 tonnes of the company’s MevoCem cement annually, which will reduce carbon emissions by up to 85% compared to ordinary Portland cement (OPC).

The facility employs Material Evolution’s patented alkali-fusion process, which eliminates the need for heat or kilns traditionally used in cement production. Instead, the process combines waste feedstocks to create a cement that undergoes geopolymerisation, significantly cutting carbon output.

Speaking at the plant’s official inauguration, Sam Clark, co-founder and chief operating officer at Material Evolution, said: “This launch takes us one step closer to achieving our goal of removing one gigaton of CO2 by 2040. Constructing a first-of-a-kind facility in just eight months is a massive undertaking. Our modular construction and lean design principles made this possible and scalable.”

Located on the site of CCP Building Products, a pre-cast concrete block producer, the facility integrates cement and concrete production under one roof, reducing transportation emissions.

Part of the funding for the £15 million project came from Material Evolution’s Series A funding round in 2023, which included investment from SigmaRoc, CCP Building Products’ parent company.

Michael Roddy, RMD North West at SigmaRoc, said: “We are thrilled to see the Mevo A1 Production Facility up and running. This project marks a significant milestone in low-carbon cement production in the UK and aligns with SigmaRoc’s commitment to sustainable development.”