Step by step to cement-free generation

Retaining wall manufacturer introduces new sustainable concrete mix 

At retaining wall manufacturer Bosch Beton there is a clear and above all proactive vision of sustainability. Indeed, against the backdrop of the sustainability transition, the Barneveld-based company has everything on board to achieve a cement-free generation of retaining walls in five steps. In that context, the introduction of a 3rd generation concrete mix took place recently, a revolutionary invention in which the proportion of Portland cement has been reduced by as much as 50%! 

Bosch Beton is fully convinced of the need to contribute to the sustainability transition. With the development of new products, it is making a more than substantial contribution. "On the way to a cement-free generation, far-reaching steps on the sustainability front are much needed," CEO Brechtje van den Beuken points out the initiatives that have already been taken and those yet to be taken. "For example, we are busy developing and optimizing hybrid variants in which the proportion of cement has been firmly reduced. All this with the ultimate goal of eventually manufacturing a cement-free generation as standard. In that context, we have now produced the first cement-free retaining walls composed of geopolymer. It is a product that is running within living labs and pilot projects and is being closely monitored. Via standards and certifications, the task is to further standardize this variant towards the future."

3rd generation

The visual elsewhere on this page shows that Bosch Concrete's standard concrete recipes had their basis in a 100% cement proportion. After commissioning the new production facility, the company then switched to a more sustainable 2nd Generation mix. "This involves a product that is already cement-free for 30% and thus better for the environment than the previous variant," explains Van den Beuken. "A mixture that enables us to work step by step towards a 100% cement-free generation and contribute to a substantial reduction in CO₂-emissions." 

With the introduction of the third generation concrete mix, within which the proportion of Portland cement has been reduced by as much as 50%, Bosch Beton recently took another step on the sustainability path. "As of this February 1, this mixture is the new standard for all infrastructure applications we supply," said Van den Beuken. "A standard with which we once again prove our pioneering spirit and demonstrate that sustainability is achievable with the right intrinsic motivation. Without saddling our customers with additional costs or making concessions when it comes to the warranty. Because that ís and will remain at 20 years for this new product as well."