Sugarcrete: a sweet concrete alternative?

Researchers at the University of East London (UEL) in the UK developed a low carbon material called Sugarcrete, made of sugarcane.

Sugarcane is the world’s largest crop by production volume. When the material is processed into sugar, a dry, pulpy, fibrous material called bagasse remains. This waste material is used in Sugarcrete.

The researchers at UEL prototyped the material using advanced digital modelling and robotic fabrication. The bagasse is mixed with binders to produce bricks that have a carbon footprint five times smaller than traditional bricks.

The material has high-quality mechanical, acoustic, fire and thermal properties, making it suitable as insulation, lightweight blocks, load-bearing blockwork, and structural floor and roof slabs.

In late 2023, the material received the Climate Positive Awards at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

Photos: UEL