Collie business owners hear from region’s geopolymer research project team Colliecrete

About 30 business owners and entrepreneurs gathered in Collie last month for an in-depth look at one of the region’s newest ‘green’ products that will recycle waste from traditional coal-fired power stations.

The Collie Chamber of Commerce and Industry held the October session of Business After Hours at Black Diamond Lodge to show the region’s business leaders the latest developments from Colliecrete.

The company recently completed phase 1 of a research project looking at creating a geopolymer concrete alternative from fly ash from the power stations in Collie and other industrial waste byproducts to produce a product using 80 per cent less carbon than traditional alternatives.

Colliecrete engagement officer Kathy Miller thanked the businesses who had helped with the State Government-funded research project through Murdoch University.

“We thank the many, many Collie businesses who have collaborated or provided services to the Colliecrete project over the last 18 months,” she said.

“Colliecrete is a high-tech product incorporating fly ash from the power stations in Collie with other industrial waste byproducts to produce a fit-for-purpose material with up to 80 per cent less carbon impacts than traditional concrete, and which is lower in cost and just as strong and versatile,” she said.

Chamber chief executive Tara van Beuningen said she was thrilled to host another well-attended event.

“Hosting members can highlight their business, or in the case of the Colliecrete Project, update the community of the success of their endeavours,” she said.

“While Collie continues to transition to new industries, our Business After Hours provides a forum for interested parties to network, be informed on CCCI activities and local issues.”