#Industry News
Sieving biochar for carbon-negative concrete admix
EcoLocked scales production of sustainable concrete admixture with the Finex Ultima™
Berlin-based startup ecoLocked, founded in 2021, is among the few global producers of concrete admixtures utilizing biochar for carbon removal. The company focuses on providing the construction industry with eco-friendly building materials.
ecoLocked's flagship product, eLM Zero, is a carbon-negative admixture designed to reduce concrete’s net carbon footprint by up to 100%, while maintaining optimal mechanical performance. By replacing traditional inputs like cement and aggregates with a bio-based alternative, eLM Zero can be used in a variety of concrete applications, from pavers and slabs to street furniture, stairs, and ready-mixed concrete.
To produce eLM Zero, ecoLocked begins by sourcing quality-controlled biochar, which is then sieved into different fractions for various admixture applications. Initially, the startup relied on manual sieving methods, which were labor-intensive and time-consuming for its small team. As demand for their product grew, ecoLocked needed a more efficient sieving process to support its scaling efforts.
Seeking automation, ecoLocked partnered with Russell Finex, whose Finex Ultima™ separator offered a high-performance solution for processing biochar. Following trials, ecoLocked adopted the vibratory separator to automate the sieving process, significantly speeding up production and improving efficiency.
With the Finex Ultima™, ecoLocked can now produce larger volumes of admixture while maintaining product consistency and quality. The machine’s automation has freed up the team to focus on further innovation and scaling operations, ensuring the company can meet growing demand for its carbon-negative building materials.
About Russell Finex
Founded in 1934, Russell Finex is a specialist global supplier of sieving and filtration equipment. With its head office in the U.K. and subsidiaries in Belgium, the U.S.A., India, Brazil, and China the company supplies to over 140 countries.To speak to an experienced sales engineer to improve your productivity, contact Russell Finex today.
