Campbellfield firm cements a plan for waste
Laura Banks
05May08
Peter Duxson of Zeobond, which has invented an environmentally friendly concrete, E-Crete.
CAMPBELLFIELD business Zeobond is turning concrete green.
E-Crete is the brainchild of Zeobond owners Dr Peter Duxson and Prof Jannie van Deventer and reduces the concrete carbon footprint by up to 80 per cent.
The pair have developed a way of replacing carbon-causing concrete, Ordinary Portland Cement or OPD, with industrial waste such as fly ash from burning coal and slag from iron-making.
"With this sort of product, we could reduce the global CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions dramatically," Dr Duxson said.
The inventive duo is being recognised for their invention, being named among 21 nominees for the State Government-supported INNOVIC awards which seek out the next "big thing" in the marketplace.
"We started the company in 2006. In that time we have developed the product, built the factory and had the product patented," Dr Duxson said.
Zeobond started E-Crete production in February this year.
The company can produce pre-cast panels as well.
"We are currently expanding overseas into other markets and potentially into the rest of Victoria," Dr Duxson said.
"But basically, the highest volume of concrete is produced overseas so that is our aim."
INNOVIC nominees will have their products on display at the Melbourne Museum from May 14 to June 22. The winner will be announced on June 12.
* More details: visit the website www.nextbigthing.com.au
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