In a world where roughly 50 billion metric tons of sand is extracted each year, mostly for concrete production, the environmental impact is significant. A 2022 UN report highlighted the destructive nature of sand extraction and the increasing scarcity of this vital resource.
One innovative solution to this problem comes from an unlikely source – coffee grounds. A biochar company in Australia is pioneering the use of waste coffee grounds to create a sustainable alternative to sand in concrete production. This new biochar material, made from coffee waste, could potentially replace millions of tons of sand used in concrete globally.
The potential of biochar in concrete has caught the attention of construction firms, infrastructure companies, and even Starbucks. By diverting organic waste like coffee grounds from landfills into concrete applications, significant reductions in emissions and environmental impact can be achieved.
With global interest in sustainable construction practices on the rise, the use of biochar in concrete could revolutionize the industry and pave the way for a more environmentally friendly future.
Source: Reuters