Concrete-from-ash pioneer backed by prominent oil services entrepreneurs

A FIRM that has developed recycling technology it reckons can help slash the emissions associated with concrete production has won seven-figure backing from a group of investors led by prominent oil services entrepreneurs.

Aberdeenshire-based Recycl8 has developed a process that involves using ash from the bottom of incinerators to replace quarried ingredients in the production of concrete. The company reckons its process will allow Incinerator Bottom Ash to account for up to 60 per cent by volume of the concrete it is used in, with big benefits for the environment.

“In working with us, waste-toenergy facilities can avoid sending their ash to landfill, and cement manufacturers can deliver a significantly reduced carbon footprint to our ever-growing sustainable built environment,” said the founder and managing director of Recycl8, Ian Skene. The investment round provides a big vote of confidence in the potential of Reclycl8’s technology.

It was led by Mike Wilson and Doug Duguid, both of whom have developed successful North Sea oil services businesses.

Mr Wilson said the technology Recycl8 has developed is a first in its field.

He noted: “If all UK concrete was made with Recycl8 technology we’d save around 2.1 million tonnes of

CO2. This is a hugely exciting prospect, in particular for both the construction industry and waste to energy industry in their bid to tackle the carbon emissions challenges they face.”

Mr Skene said Recycl8 will use the funding to accelerate the development and commercialisation of its additive for concrete manufacture for the global construction industry.

Mr Skene launched Recycl8 in 2019 with fellow directors Yvonne

Walker and Raymond Cowan after looking for ways to reuse the large amounts of ash left after waste is incinerated.

A graduate of Robert Gordon University, Mr Skene has spent more than 10 years working on energy from waste projects with businesses such as Agile Energy Recovery.

He founded Ecosse Subsea Systems in 1996 and grew it into a global player to provide services such as subsea trench-digging.