Bringing Down the Cost of Graphene Through Sustainable Innovation

Pirry L. | 15 Dec 2023 | PropTech Insights # 91

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CLS Environmental Technologies is commercialising waste upcycling and graphene production technologies to advance sustainability in the construction sector. By converting non-recyclable wood residues into high-value graphene additives, our solutions aim to reduce costs, improve material performance, and lower industry carbon footprints over the long run.

Problem of Construction Wood Waste

Every major construction project generates significant amounts of wood waste that cannot be reused or recycled due to impurities. With limited viable disposal options, much of this biomass ends up in landfills where it releases methane, a greenhouse gases as it decomposes. There is a pressing need for technologically and economically viable solutions that can divert this waste stream to higher value uses.

Upcycling Wood Waste Into Graphene

CLS Environmental Technologies has developed an efficient thermal process to convert wood residues and other biomass waste into graphene. Compared to conventional methods, our approach is more sustainable as it utilizes waste resources as raw material and process them with minimal emissions. Our compact production setup is well-suited for urban areas like Hong Kong, requiring a smaller footprint than existing methods. Leveraging abundant local wood biomass feedstock enables us to produce graphene at massively lower costs than imports or traditional synthesis. Once access is improved, our graphene products are primed for wide adoption across sectors in high-volume applications.

Bringing Down The Cost Of Graphene, Increasing Accessibility

Through ongoing process R&D, we aim to drive down graphene manufacturing costs by 90% over the next 3 years. This will place prices within reach for construction material manufacturers globally. By constantly optimizing operations and sustainability, our goal is to make waste-derived graphene accessible to new markets and support innovations with affordable carbon solutions.

Benefits Of Graphene In Building Materials

Testing confirms our graphene improves durability, strength and performance of cement, concrete and other materials by 25% or more. This allows for reductions in raw material usage and lessens environmental impacts. Graphene also accelerates curing, improves flexibility and moisture resistance - all leveraging a green additive.

Conclusion: Circular Economy

By diverting wood waste or other biomass waste from landfills to higher value products through our closed-loop manufacturing model, CLS Environmental Technologies is advancing the construction sector's transition to a truly circular economy. With further R&D and partnerships, we aim to prove graphene technologies can drive meaningful decarbonization at industrial scales. ■

The Author

Pirry L. is the Founder of Carbon Lite System , a Hong Kong based material manufacturer and climate technology developer that provides cutting-edge graphene materials and biomass waste upcycling technologies. He has worked in environmental technology for 15 years and also been involved in multiple sustainability startups as well as founding several environmental tech startups.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Proptech Institute, including its directors, employees and affiliates.

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