The race to decarbonize industries is unfolding just outside Chicago, where Ozinga concrete company is producing eco-friendly concrete made from recycled steel byproduct. While the global cement industry contributes 8% of emissions, innovative solutions like Ozinga’s offer a swift reduction. The challenge lies in connecting demand with supply, especially in convincing contractors to invest in green materials. Despite potential buyers like tech companies and governments, a gap persists in aligning supply chains. This struggle extends beyond concrete to various industries responsible for a quarter of global emissions.
Ozinga’s $250 million investment in green cement exemplifies a proactive approach, anticipating future market shifts. Achieving widespread industrial decarbonization will require a unified effort from companies, governments, and financial institutions. As TIME’s Futures series explores these endeavors, the obstacles hindering technology adoption—including financial hesitancy and infrastructure mismatches—are evident. Initiatives like the U.S. Innovation Reduction Act aim to stimulate financial innovation, while collaborations like the Bezos Earth Fund’s green market maker demonstrate a collective push towards sustainable solutions. In this evolving landscape, the potential for groundbreaking advancements remains high.