Cement from Lafarge's Aether project could be available in 2014

Cement from 725 Lafarge's Aether project could be commercially available from 2014, it has been reported.

In 2012, the French construction materials group ran a production test of 10,000tonnes, and further research for the industrialisation of the product will follow. The Aether project began in 2003 as part of an effort by Lafarge to reduce its carbon footprint. So far, Aether clinker is said to have been proven to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% to 30%. The project received support from the 4613 British Building Research Establishment and the Polish construction materials institute. The EU then provided 50% of the project's funding in 2010.

Aether clinker is described as being lighter and less hard, which means it requires less energy during the grinding process. The furnace need only be at 1,300°C rather than at 1,450°C to 1,500°C, which cuts CO2 emissions by 15%. Neither alite nor aluminate is used. The product is applied like traditional cement and is said to have the same properties as Portland cement when hydrated. Lafarge says it is continuing its research to reduce its carbon footprint and could use microalgae to collect carbon gas that leaves its furnaces.