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CoMLaG graphene concrete project achieves key on-site milestone
A consortium of GEIC, Cemex UK, Galliford Try, Sika and Northumbrian Water has successfully deployed the newly developed CoMLaG concrete on-site. The graphene- and micronised limestone-enhanced mix reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 49 % compared with conventional CEM I concrete while delivering comparable compressive strength.
In April 2025, the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), Cemex UK, Galliford Try, Sika and Northumbrian Water completed the first practical application of CoMLaG concrete at a Northumbrian Water wastewater treatment facility. A total of 15 m³ of the mix was poured, achieving up to a 49 % CO₂ reduction per cubic metre compared with traditional CEM I, while maintaining compressive strength close to the reference mix.
The formulation uses a ternary cement blend, replacing part of the high-carbon clinker with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and micronised limestone. To offset the typical strength losses from clinker reduction, a graphene-based additive developed at GEIC was introduced to enhance strength gain.
From lab trials to large-scale application
Following extensive laboratory trials, production was scaled up at a batching plant in North East England using locally sourced aggregates and raw materials. The pour was monitored using Cemex’s i-Con maturity monitoring system, which provided real-time curing and strength data under site conditions.
The 28-day compressive strength reached 78.3 N/mm², close to the 82.6 N/mm² of the CEM I control. While early-age strengths were lower due to reduced clinker content, the inclusion of graphene significantly narrowed the gap.
The next phase will focus on optimising the mix, improving admixture compatibility, and validating performance with a broader range of aggregates to support commercial rollout.
Source: GEIC, Cemex UK, Galliford Try, Sika & Northumbrian Water, Recent use of graphene-enhanced cement in a project between GEIC, CEMEX UK, Galliford Try, Sika, and Northumbrian Water. (2025).
