New materials, new methods, new potential. In today’s construction landscape, practical advances are quietly reshaping what’s possible. Anne-Claire Pliska, Director of Innovation & Digital Western Europe and Corporate ESG Central Europe at WSP, Jason Messerli, Head of Underground Construction in German-speaking Switzerland, and Yohan Jacquier, Business Unit Manager Structure in the French speaking part of Switzerland, visited PQR Beton SA in Gland—a concrete recycling site using Neustark’s CO₂ mineralization process. The visit offered a detailed insight at how applied chemistry and engineering are working together to reduce emissions in a traditionally carbon-intensive sector.
From Construction Debris to Carbon Storage
Neustark’s process directs captured carbon dioxide into recycled demolition granulate, triggering an exothermic mineralization reaction. The CO₂ binds with calcium compounds to form stable carbonates, permanently locking the gas into the material while also improving its mechanical properties. The result is a structural-grade aggregate ready for reuse in concrete, closing a loop in both material and carbon cycles.
“As an engineer, I appreciated the elegance of the system: it is simple, compact, clever, and energy efficient. This is innovation you can touch” Jason noted.
The team observed the full operational flow—from raw input to mineralized output—on site. What stood out was the minimal intervention required. The method runs with low energy input, fits into existing recycling infrastructure, and uses a nearby CO₂ source.
Practical Innovation with Scalable Impact
The mineralized granules can be added to conventional concrete mixes. Neustark’s system enables up to 20% recycled input while reducing embodied emissions. The CO₂ used in the process comes from a wastewater treatment plant just a few kilometers away, eliminating the need for long-haul transport and showing how regional resource loops can be closed.
Yohann added, “The source of carbon dioxide is a wastewater treatment plant. It’s a smart, local, and circular solution that transforms waste into a measurable environmental asset.”
Long-Term Partnerships as a Mechanism for Scale
The partnership between Neustark and PQR Beton shows how innovation can scale in real-world settings. Over time, the two companies have co-developed and refined the process, improving its performance and opening new use cases.
“It is partnerships like these that make the difference. Not just in moving projects ahead, but in shaping the future of our industry” Anne-Claire observed.
Carbon Markets, Revenue Streams, and Expansion
Neustark’s approach is not only technical, it is also economic. The carbon stored through mineralization is verified by third parties, creating credits that can be sold on voluntary carbon markets. This opens up a funding stream that supports further investment in infrastructure and technology.
Discussions during the visit included mobile and modular system concepts—ways to bring the technology to smaller or remote facilities with limited space or resources.
From Insight to Action
Neustark’s approach demonstrates how applied chemistry and system thinking can deliver measurable emissions reductions without major infrastructure overhauls. By upgrading what already exists, the system offers a realistic path to decarbonization.
The Gland site visit highlighted a key message: when scientific tools meet operational expertise, change becomes achievable.
WSP contributes by identifying opportunities for integration in ongoing and future projects and navigating regulatory frameworks. With access to municipalities, design teams, and project developers, WSP can help bring technically sound solutions like Neustark’s to scale.
Together with UBS, WSP supports startup growth through a broader ecosystem of finance, engineering, and project delivery. For Neustark, this means easier access to pilot opportunities, funding support, and partners aligned with decarbonization goals.