Supporting Calcined Clay on its amazing journey

The challenge

The global cement industry is actively working on a range of solutions to reduce the carbon intensity of its product. In parallel the highly regarded material science department of the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne conducts fundamental research in many aspects of cement and concrete. A PhD student developed a concept to reduce clinker by replacing it with calcined clay and further developed by the department. This solution had the potential to substantially reduce emissions per tonne of cement.

What we did

We supported EPFL in moving the innovation from laboratory research to industrial adoption. The international project, involving partners in Europe, India and Cuba, was gaining strong momentum but needed a clear identity to unite stakeholders and communicate its value. We developed the name LC3 – Limestone Calcined Clay Cement, designed a distinctive logo, and created a range of communication materials to support global outreach and industry engagement.

Results

LC3 has become a globally recognised technology and has achieved large-scale industrial adoption. The innovation is now implemented across multiple markets worldwide, contributing significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions in cement production.