#United Kingdom #First Graphene #Breedon Group #PureGRAPH® #Derbyshire

A Historic Achievement in Sustainable Cement Production

On December 17, 2025, First Graphene Limited, a prominent figure in material innovation, announced the successful production of approximately 600 tonnes of graphene enhanced cement. This landmark achievement represents a critical step towards more sustainable construction practices in the cement and concrete sector, particularly in the United Kingdom.

The production was carried out at Breedon Group PLC's Hope Cement Works, located in Derbyshire, showcasing the capabilities of combining advanced materials with traditional cement manufacturing. The cement produced includes about three tonnes of First Graphene's PureGRAPH-CEM® additive, which enhances its characteristics and sustainability profile.

The Environmental Impact

One of the most significant benefits of this graphene enhanced cement is its potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 16%. This reduction is largely achieved by minimizing the use of carbon-intensive clinker, a crucial component in traditional cement production. As concerns about carbon emissions and climate change continue to grow, innovations like PureGRAPH® offer a promising avenue for reducing the environmental impact of the building industry.

The utilization of this new material is not limited to mere experimentation; it is set to be incorporated into critical projects in the UK, including three main applications where its performance will be tested in real-world scenarios. Additionally, the University of Manchester will conduct thorough compressive strength testing to analyze and validate the enhanced cement's performance characteristics.

Trial Projects and Applications

The first practical application of the graphene enhanced cement will be evident in an innovative project involving FP McCann. The company plans to use approximately 30 to 40 tonnes of this new material in the production of roof tiles at its manufacturing facility in Leicestershire. These tiles will undergo rigorous testing at FP McCann’s research and development center to assess their efficiency and waste reduction capabilities. This project is not only a move towards sustainability but is also timely, given the UK’s pressing housing shortages and the goal of producing over a million affordable homes by 2029.

Collaboration for Innovation

First Graphene has partnered with various industry players like Morgan Sindall and FP McCann to create efficient delivery systems for the PureGRAPH® enhanced concrete. The collaboration seeks to implement this innovative cement into various infrastructure projects, ensuring that sustainable solutions are instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by contemporary construction.

In a statement, First Graphene's CEO Michael Bell emphasized the significance of this production milestone. He remarked, “This historic milestone showcases our product's viability for production at scale, and we look forward to further applications of PureGRAPH® in various domains.”

The company has attracted interest from additional entities both in the UK and Australia, which are eager to trial this groundbreaking material in their respective fields. Their requests for trial volumes signify confidence in the potential of graphene-enhanced products to revolutionize traditional construction methods.

The Future of Concrete

As demand for sustainable building solutions grows, the potential applications for graphene enhanced cement span far beyond roofing tiles. The versatility of PureGRAPH-CEM® allows for integration into diverse projects, potentially altering the landscape of how we approach construction materials in the 21st century.

First Graphene's endeavor not only underscores a commitment to innovation in material science but also highlights a broader commitment among construction firms to embrace sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. With the cement industry being a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, developments such as the introduction of graphene-enhanced cement could herald a new era in eco-friendly construction.

As implementation trials commence, the results may pave the way for broader acceptance of graphene-enhanced products throughout the construction industry, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.