Progressive Planet has secured over $4.6 million in funding to advance innovative eco-friendly concrete solutions, focusing on recycling post-consumer glass.
Progressive Planet, a pioneering company in eco-friendly concrete solutions, has secured a substantial funding agreement to further its innovative approach to incorporating recycled glass into cement production. Based in Kamloops, British Columbia, the company has entered into a four-year funding deal worth over $4.6 million with Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a federal development agency dedicated to supporting clean technology solutions.
Funding Initiative and Objectives
This funding initiative is designed to drive innovation and sustainability within the construction materials sector. The first instalment of approximately $1.55 million was disbursed on January 31, 2025, enabling Progressive Planet to advance its operations in developing environmentally friendly concrete products. The primary objective of this funding is to support the construction of a pilot plant for producing PozGlass, a low-carbon supplementary cementitious material (SCM) derived from post-consumer glass. This technology represents a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of cement production, which currently accounts for over 7% of global CO2 emissions.
Set Up For Success
Progressive Planet CEO Steve Harpur highlighted the importance of this funding, stating, “This funding allows us to innovate, reduce emissions, and create value from post-consumer glass, a material that has been historically misallocated and considered waste.” This underscores the company’s commitment not only to enhancing product sustainability but also to addressing the issue of waste management regarding recyclable materials. By leveraging post-consumer glass, Progressive Planet is pioneering a circular economy approach that transforms waste into valuable resources.
Broader Impact and Industry Precedent
The financial support from SDTC is part of a broader effort to foster climate technology solutions that use waste materials in responsible and innovative ways. As the demand for sustainable construction materials continues to rise, Progressive Planet’s initiatives could set a precedent for the industry, promoting the responsible management of resources while contributing to emissions reduction efforts associated with traditional cement production. The partnership with Lafarge Canada, which has agreed to purchase all PozGlass produced by the pilot plant, further reinforces the viability of this technology as a solution to decarbonize the construction sector.
Future Operations and Expansion
The pilot plant, expected to begin operations in October 2025, marks a key step towards scaling PozGlass production and accelerating its adoption across North America and beyond. The facility will initially focus on dry processing of post-consumer glass, with plans for wet grinding facilities to be completed by late 2026. This phased approach will enable Progressive Planet to refine its technology and meet the growing demand for low-carbon cement alternatives.
Industry Context and Market Potential
The global low-carbon cement market is projected to triple by 2034, presenting significant opportunities for companies like Progressive Planet to capitalize on this growth while reducing the carbon footprint of one of the world’s most essential industries. With partnerships spanning investors, engineers, and construction stakeholders, Progressive Planet is well-positioned to lead the transition towards more sustainable construction materials. The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability aligns with broader industry trends, such as those seen in companies like Cemex, which are also focusing on decarbonization and sustainable product development.
