Martin Crow joins O.C.O Technology

Environmental expert to take carbon capture technology specialists to new heights in sustainability

ENVIRONMENTAL industry expert Martin Crow has joined carbon capture technology specialists O.C.O Technology as a consultant to spearhead the launch of a new sustainability programme.

Mr Crow’s appointment marks the latest stage in his award-winning career which spans more than 40 years, including over two decades with Hanson UK, most recently as senior sustainability manager.

Steve Greig, managing director of O.C.O Technology, sees Mr Crow’s involvement as a ‘real coup’ for the business, which uses its Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT) process to treat a wide range of thermal wastes, producing the world’s first truly carbon-negative aggregate or M-LS (short for Manufactured LimeStone).

‘We know that as we continue to grow on the international stage and broaden our areas of expertise, customers want to know that our world-leading technology is underpinned with a clear commitment to environmental and sustainability policies,’ said Mr Greig (left of photo).

‘Martin is very well-known and highly-respected within the minerals environmental sector and we can think of no one better in terms of industry expertise and knowledge to help us deliver those goals.’

Mr Crow, who was recently presented with an MPA Special Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Mineral Products Association, will be focusing on areas including attainment of the BRE’s BES 6001 certification on responsible sourcing of construction products; and working towards achieving an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which focuses on the life-cycle environmental impact of products.

He commented: ‘I am delighted to be working alongside the O.C.O Technology team. The innovative processes they have developed combine the circular economy with carbon utilization and are already delivering impressive benefits, not only to the construction industry, but also in terms of treatment options for the waste sector.

‘I look forward to developing the necessary strategies and protocols around a strong sustainability platform that will help shape the business into a global force in years to come.’

M-LS gains its carbon-negative credentials because more carbon dioxide (CO2) is permanently captured than is generated during its manufacturing process. For every tonne of M-LS aggregate used, 1.4 tonnes of natural aggregate is saved.

It is suitable for a wide range of applications across the construction industry, including blocks, precast and ready-mixed concrete.

In 2019, it is estimated that M-LS BlockMix, specially formulated for use in concrete masonry blocks, was used in well in excess of 25 million blocks – equivalent to building more than 10,000 three-bedroom homes.