ACT1 ECOCEM: a technical recognition that accelerates low-carbon innovation

ECOCEM

Project context

As part of the development of innovative solutions for the decarbonisation of the construction sector, Ecocem continues the deployment of its ACT technology dedicated to reducing the carbon footprint of cement materials.

In June 2025, ACT1, the first operational version of this technology, obtained a Technical Evaluation of Products and Materials (ETPM) issued by the Building Science and Technology Centre (CSTB). This approach is part of a collegial procedure designed to evaluate innovative products that do not yet fully meet existing normative standards.

This recognition constitutes a strategic step towards the integration of low-carbon solutions into construction projects in France and Europe.

Objectives of the approach

The purpose of obtaining ETPM is to establish a robust scientific and technical basis to qualify the performance of the ACT1 in concrete applications.

This voluntary approach enabled:

  • Characterization of properties Intrinsic of ACT1
  • Assessment of mechanical performance concrete formulated with ACT1
  • Analysis of the sustainability of works made with this technology
  • Validation of the compatibility of ACT1 concretes with the requirements of European Eurocodes for design and calculation of structures

This step is also an essential preparation for future regulatory and technical assessments needed for the wide dissemination of technology.

Studies, research and testing

Upstream and during the construction site, Several studies and controls have been carried out to ensure the technical and environmental conformity of the materials used:

  • Preliminary analysis of the environmental status of the site (flooding areas, stream presence, hydraulic stresses)
  • Verification of the compatibility of the site with the use of steel dairy
  • Implementation of the procedure for the validation of serious industrial co-products: leaching tests, expansion tests, supply and validation of product data sheets

These steps have enabledensure the reliability and durability of materials used in road structures.

A progressive and structured evaluation approach

The ETPM is part of a global technical qualification strategy led by Ecocem to accompany industrialisation and the adoption of ACT in the building sector.

ACT technology already benefits from European Technical Evaluation (ETE)opening the way to the CE marking obtained in 2024.

In addition to this European recognition, Ecocem has chosen to initiate a comprehensive national procedure with the Building Science and Technology Centre in order to secure and accelerate the operational use of ACT in France.

The next steps include: ATEx (Technical Evaluation of Experimentation) expected current 2026, covering the structural uses of ACT1 technology: vOils, pbees, pOverboard, dcasts in place, infrastructures,surface undulations.

Technical performance and innovation

ACT technology enables the development of low-carbon cement formulations while maintaining performance consistent with construction requirements.

The technical assessments carried out enable:

  • Ensuring mechanical reliability of concretes incorporating ACT1
  • Validate their sustainable behaviour over time
  • Ensuring their compliance with European standards design of works
  • Secure their implementation in construction projects

This approach helps to build the confidence of contractors, design offices and construction companies in the use of innovative low-carbon solutions.

    Environmental impacts and low carbon transition

    The development of ACT technology is part of an ambitious reduction of CO2 emissions from cement and construction.

    Expected environmental benefits include:

    • Carbon footprint reduction concrete
    • Decreased use of clinker in cement formulations
    • Contribution to the transition towards more sustainable building materials
    • Accelerated adoption of innovative low carbon solutions in building and infrastructure projects

    This approach fully contributes to the decarbonisation objectives of the construction sector and to the circular economy.

      Conclusion

      With obtaining the ETPM for ACT1, Ecocem, member of theAFOCO, takes an important step in the technical recognition of innovative cement materials with low environmental impact.

      This progress illustrates the will of the reconciling innovation, technical performance and ecological transition to support the sustainable development of constructive practices.

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