Groundbreaking for experimental building with CO₂-neutral binder
“Our main goal is to establish a CO₂-neutral binder for concrete applications in the construction industry.” With this clear objective, Dr. Frank Bellmann, the company’s founder with a scientific background at the Bauhaus University Weimar, describes the mission of Oliment GmbH. The young company from Rötha near Leipzig aims to make a significant contribution to climate neutrality with its patented product and manufacturing process, as concrete produced with cement is currently responsible for up to 8% of global CO₂-emissions, according to a WWF study.
Oliment GmbH, founded in 2012, has already reached its first milestone with the production of the eponymous binder in its purpose-built pilot plant. Just a few years after its founding, the company has achieved a decisive technological leap: production of the novel binder has been successfully scaled up from the laboratory to the ton scale. This lays the groundwork for industrial pilot projects and future scaling.
Magnesium silicate as a CO2-free raw material
The main component of the new formulation is magnesium silicate - a natural mineral available worldwide. Its chemical composition enables the production of a binder that hardens with water and sequesters CO₂. Unlike conventional cement, no CO₂ is released during the production of Oliment. The firing temperatures are significantly lower, so that the substantial energy requirements can be fully met using electricity.
Field Test Under Real-World Conditions
With the experimental building currently under construction, the next phase of development begins for Oliment: the new binder will be tested under real-world conditions in a complete structure. The goal is to obtain general building approval from the German Institute for Building Technology for widespread use in the construction industry. To achieve this, it is necessary to investigate and document load-bearing behavior, durability, and weather resistance over the course of several years under real-world conditions and at full scale. At the same time, the experimental building is intended to serve as a demonstration project for investors, industry partners, and public clients.
A Signal for the Industry and Region
On June 5, 2026, Oliment welcomed guests from the worlds of politics, business, and science to the groundbreaking ceremony for the first experimental building of its kind. Among them were Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer, District Administrator of the Leipzig District Henry Graichen, and Rötha’s Mayor Pascal Németh.
Prime Minister Kretschmer emphasized: “With today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the model building, Oliment is sending a clear signal in Rötha for innovation in the construction sector and modern structural change. Saxony has the potential to establish itself even more strongly on international markets in the future with innovative technologies and sustainable products. I thank the Federal Agency for Breakthrough Innovations and all partners for their support and wish the Oliment team every success.”
District Administrator Henry Graichen also sees the project as a great opportunity for sustainability in the construction sector and for creating value in the region: “I am very pleased about the start of construction for the model building. This project is of great significance not only for Oliment GmbH. The chosen location once again demonstrates that the Leipzig district is attractive to businesses and economic development. We support innovative projects and new approaches and are pleased to see forward-looking ideas being implemented here. I wish the research team every success in the future.”
In his brief remarks, Karl Brüggen, Managing Director of Oliment GmbH, highlighted the significance of the new binder for the industry: “With our product, we are positioning ourselves in a market segment that is rapidly gaining importance. In doing so, we are pursuing a clear vision: to rethink the binder for concrete. As a new-generation building material, Oliment stands for climate-neutral and sustainable construction.”
