Germany’s first climate-positive concrete plant:
A revolutionary step for sustainable construction
A game-changer in concrete production
The construction industry is witnessing a significant transformation with the establishment of Germany’s first climate-positive concrete plant in Soltau. Built by Bton Group in partnership with MCT Italy, this facility sets new standards in sustainable construction, thanks to its state-of-the-art batch plant technology.
Bton: From research to industrial innovation
Bton has evolved from a research-driven initiative into a pioneering industrial company focused on environmentally optimized, climate-positive concrete. With over 6,500 mix tests conducted during its R&D phase, the company has developed patented mixing processes and proprietary concrete formulations that optimize sustainability and performance.
Key areas of focus
Bton is committed to addressing crucial challenges in the concrete industry, including:
Carbon reduction and elimination: cutting emissions through innovative mixing techniques
Weight reduction: producing lighter concrete elements without compromising strength
Replacing steel reinforcement: using structurally effective fibers as an alternative
Resource conservation: incorporating recycled materials to reduce raw material consumption
Cement clinker reduction: minimizing cement usage while maintaining structural integrity
Decarbonizing concrete production
With concrete production generating nearly 8% of global carbon emissions, Bton’s breakthrough technology significantly reduces this environmental impact. Under the leadership of Thomas Sievers, co-founder and head of research, the company has developed a hybrid suspension mixing technology that cuts carbon emissions by up to 80%. By incorporating carbon-reducing materials, Bton has successfully developed climate-positive concrete that absorbs more carbon than it emits.
Advanced hybrid suspension mixing technology
Bton’s innovative mixing technology has been in development for over 14 years. Initially designed to enhance cost efficiency and strength, this technology has since evolved to support sustainable lightweight concrete production. The system enables the use of binders with minimal clinker content, reducing emissions without compromising concrete performance.
Strong partnership with MCT Italy
MCT Italy played a vital role in bringing Bton’s vision to life. Their collaboration led to the creation of an advanced tower batching plant designed specifically for climate-positive concrete production. The facility in Soltau features:
400 m³ aggregate storage in six compartments
230 m³ cement, fly ash, and slag storage in four silos
30 m³ lightweight aggregate storage in two silos
SM 1000 suspension mixer capable of producing up to 1,000 liters of cement mortar per batch
Type 3000/2000 conical intensive mixer ensuring high-performance mixing
AI-integrated MCT control system for automated operations
Recycling systems for waste concrete and cleaning water
Setting a new industry benchmark
Bton’s groundbreaking hybrid mixing technology allows for up to 80% carbon savings compared to conventional precast production. The plant will manufacture façade, wall, and floor elements for residential and industrial buildings, providing superior insulation and lightweight structures.
Expanding globally
Managing Director Antonio Catarino highlighted the strategic importance of Soltau’s location, with direct access to major German cities via the A7 highway. With an investment of €10 million, including €1.25 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Bton plans to expand its climate-positive concrete production across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
A vision for the future
Eng. Luca Cellini, Sales Manager at MCT Italy, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of Bton’s technology: “From the moment Mr. Catarino shared his vision, it was clear that this project would revolutionize the industry. Our engineers worked closely with Bton to integrate the suspension mixer into a tower batching plant, resulting in an unparalleled technological innovation in Soltau.”
With this first-of-its-kind facility, Bton and MCT Italy are paving the way for a more sustainable construction industry, proving that climate-positive concrete is not just a possibility but a reality.
