Sripath is targeting long‑standing pain points in polymer modified bitumen (PMB) production with its ButaPhalt additive, which can be blended using existing asphalt plant equipment and standard production temperatures. The butadiene‑based modifier is supplied as a pelletised or pastille product, avoiding the need for high‑shear mills, dedicated PMB tanks or prolonged high‑temperature storage that can cause polymer degradation and phase separation. For road agencies and contractors, this approach simplifies PMB logistics, supports in‑line dosing at drum and batch plants, and may lower barriers to specifying higher‑performance binders on regional projects.

Engineers Collective’s latest podcast episode features Future Build author discussing how next‑generation construction materials could move beyond low‑carbon to actively restore ecosystems and sequester CO₂. The conversation covers bio‑based composites such as cross‑laminated timber and mycelium blocks, plus cement alternatives using supplementary cementitious materials and carbon‑mineralising aggregates. For civil and geotechnical designers, the focus is on specifying materials with quantified embodied‑carbon data, durability comparable to C40/50 concrete, and verifiable carbon‑capture or regenerative performance over the asset life.

Concretene has secured £4.5m to scale production of its biogas-derived graphene admixture, designed to cut cement content in standard mixes by 10–20% with no loss of strength, durability or changes to batching and placement. The University of Manchester spin-out will use wastewater biogas from United Utilities to manufacture carbon-negative graphene at multi-tonne scale in Manchester under a circular production model. Backed with £2m from NPIF II – PXN Equity Finance plus follow-on investment from LocalGlobe and Molten Ventures, the funding will support industrial-scale admixture manufacture and large concrete trials with partners including Arup.