Lafarge Polska launches Aggneo

The product can be used in infrastructure projects or as an additive to concrete. It is 20% lighter than traditional aggregate and is produced and transported locally, which reduces transport emissions.

By 2030, Lafarge wants to achieve production of 1 million tpy, which will save natural resources. According to the report ‘Completing the Picture: How the Circular Economy Tackles Climate Change (2019)"’ by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, recycling cement-based building materials will reduce global emissions to 0.3 billion t of CO₂ annually. At the same time, recycled aggregates mean 40 ¬– 70% less CO₂ emissions compared to the excavated rocks. The introduction of recycled aggregate is one of the key goals of Lafarge's Sustainable Development Strategy in Poland until 2030.

High-quality recycled aggregate

Before Aggneo is put on construction sites, the raw material is strictly controlled and selected, and cleaned of glass, steel and other materials. Then the material is crushed and, as a finished product, it is again subjected to final quality tests (the same as for natural aggregates). Due to compliance with strict quality standards, it is completely safe for people and the environment and meets the quality and durability standards required in infrastructure investments and those subject to BREEAM and LEED certification.

Lower carbon footprint and saving resources

The product is lighter by more than 20% than natural aggregate with the same parameters. Additionally, it is delivered to construction sites close to the place of production. Using the example of the implementation in Krakow, Lafarge Polska calculated that the Aggneo delivery reduced CO₂ emissions in transport by 66% and as much as 74% emissions per each m³ of works performed in relation to aggregates from nearby mines, says Krzysztof Suchorz, General Director of the Aggregates Product Line.

Recycled aggregate also means less consumption of natural resources, as 25% less Aggneo by weight than natural rocks is needed to build in 1 m³ of foundation, road stabilisation or hardening the ground. This is due to the lower Aggneo bulk density.

By introducing Aggneo, the company contributes to the saving of natural resources of aggregates and creates a closed-loop economy, giving construction waste a new life. By 2030, Lafarge Polska will be producing 1 million tons of such aggregates annually, says Xavier Guesnu, President of the Management Board of Lafarge in Poland.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/23062021/lafarge-polska-launches-aggneo/