Some of DAC's advantages are faster, more flexible implementation and a modular unit that can be located anywhere – eliminating the liquefaction and transportation costs, as well as saving a lot of time in refilling the CO2 tank.

This process not only results in around 50% lower footprint, but can also transform concrete into a carbon-negative material if low-carbon binders are used instead of cement. In the upcoming years, NeoCarbon and Carbonaide aim to increase the storage capacity to thousands of tonnes from 2026 onwards.

Decarbonising the cement and concrete industries: why it matters

The cement and concrete industries account for approximately 8% of global CO2 emissions, primarily due to the energy-intensive clinker-burning process and the release of CO2 during the chemical reactions involved in cement production. With demand for infrastructure and construction rising, finding effective solutions to reduce emissions in this vital sector is more critical than ever. Even more, this partnership ensures that the CO2 is actively removed from the atmosphere, so it can never contribute to climate change again. Therefore, this collaboration contributes to the goal of the IPCC to remove a minimum of six Gigaton of CO2 per year.

How does it work?

The NeoDuo project, NeoCarbon’s first paying customer pilot, has successfully demonstrated how DAC technology can be implemented in real-world industrial environments. The fully operational DAC unit at the pilot site captures CO2 from the atmosphere using waste heat, ensuring a highly energy-efficient process. This marks a key milestone in optimising DAC technology for broader industrial application. The CO2 captured by NeoCarbon is now being used by Carbonaide to mineralise and permanently store the CO2 in pavement products.

Looking ahead: scaling for impact

NeoCarbon’s CEO, René Haas, commented: "The first shipment of captured CO2 represents a significant step in our mission to decarbonise the cement and concrete industry. Our work with Carbonaide is transforming how the construction sector views CO2 – turning it from a challenge into an opportunity. We are proud to be at the forefront of this innovation, and are very excited to scale up the capture and storage capacities in the years ahead." Together, NeoCarbon and Carbonaide are on track to start generating  high-quality carbon removal credits in 2025, helping companies reach net zero. This collaboration highlights the potential of DAC and CO2 mineralisation to become critical tools in decarbonising the global construction industry.

Carbonaide’s CEO, Tapio Vehmas, added: "The partnership with NeoCarbon is a good start for deploying more innovative approaches to carbon capture and helping scaling the CDR industry. By leveraging NeoCarbon’s Direct Air Capture technology, we aim to scale a modular and flexible CO2 supply, making the CO2 value chain more efficient. This milestone is a step forward towards  future cooperation with NeoCarbon."

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