6 Aug 2026

CO2BLOC: Advancing CO2-Negative Construction Through Carbonation Technology

ORBIX is proud to contribute to the CO2BLOC project, an innovative initiative focused on developing CO2-negative masonry blocks through carbon mineralization.

The CO2BLOC project brings together industrial partners to validate and scale a new production process that captures CO2 and permanently binds it into construction materials. By combining industrial mineral residues with CO2, the project transforms emissions into valuable building blocks, supporting a more circular and low-carbon construction sector.

From industrial emissions to building materials

At the core of the project lies Carbstone® technology, Orbix’s proprietary carbonation process. This technology uses CO2 as a binder, replacing traditional cement and significantly reducing the environmental footprint of construction materials.

Through a pilot installation at the Prefer site in Flémalle, the project is testing:

  • The injection and circulation of CO2 into the production process
  • The use of untreated industrial flue gases as a CO2 source
  • The technical feasibility of producing CO2-negative masonry blocks at scale

This pilot phase is essential to validate process parameters and support future industrial deployment. The installation is designed to produce approximately 10,000 blocks, enabling real-life testing of performance and durability.

Towards circular and scalable solutions

CO2BLOC is part of a broader ambition to accelerate the transition towards circular construction. By integrating CO2 capture and material production, the project demonstrates how industrial symbiosis can unlock new value chains and reduce emissions simultaneously.

Carbon mineralization makes it possible to:

  • Permanently store CO2 in stable mineral form
  • Reduce dependence on cement and virgin raw materials
  • Valorise industrial by-products as natural resources

This approach aligns with the growing need for scalable, low-carbon building materials that meet both environmental and technical requirements.

Public support and collaboration

The CO2BLOC project is supported by the Walloon Public Service and co-funded by the European Union (ERDF/FEDER). This support underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in achieving climate goals.

The project brings together key industrial and research partners working towards a shared objective: turning CO2 into a resource for sustainable construction.

This project is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Walloon Region. The content of this publication reflects only the author’s views.

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