Investment Attraction Economic Development Manchester

Investment Attraction

Invest in Manchester

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Concretene, a Manchester-based start-up, is addressing a critical issue in the construction industry: the significant carbon footprint associated with concrete production, which contributes over 7% of global CO2 emissions. The company has set an ambitious goal to help the Greater Manchester area achieve net carbon neutrality by 2038. Their innovative solution involves a graphene-enhanced admixture that improves the microstructure of concrete, allowing for a substantial reduction in the amount of cement required while maintaining equivalent performance levels.

As a Research Technician at Concretene, Ayla Mafuta plays a vital role in the formulation and characterization of this new product. Her responsibilities include optimizing the formulation process and ensuring the stability and quality of Concretene through rigorous research and quality assurance testing. The development of Concretene is part of broader projects, such as GraphEnhance and GraphSMART, which aim to advance the product for various concrete applications, including the precast sector.

The collaboration with esteemed partners, including the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, international design and engineering consultancy Arup, and Canadian graphene supplier Black Swan, enhances Concretene's capabilities in tackling the challenges of decarbonizing construction. This partnership not only supports the technical development of their product but also integrates diverse expertise from various fields, fostering innovation in the construction industry.