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Announcements, technology deep-dives, and perspectives from across the Microtec platform.
Microtec Mill Technology
Microtec's advanced micronization technology is capable of precisely reducing a wide variety of complex materials to exact specifications.
Microtec’s advanced micronization technology is capable of precisely reducing a wide variety of complex materials to exact specifications, leveraging ambient, thermodynamic, and cryogenic methods. Their mills are utilized across numerous industries to process materials ranging from minerals to rubber tires, delivering consistent and precise yields.
With complete control over particle size, distribution, shape, and other physical properties, Microtec’s technology serves diverse applications including pharmaceuticals, glass production, and food and beverage additives. Offering a broad spectrum of equipment sizes and capabilities, Microtec provides scalable and innovative milling solutions, with an extensive product line featuring a variety of machines.
How it works
UTM Turbo Mill
The UTM Turbo Mill is a versatile grinding machine capable of operating under cryogenic, ambient, or drying kinetic/convection conditions. It achieves the desired particle size by adjusting the grinding elements, speed, and temperature, which also allows for controlled moisture release from the material being processed.
Air Classifier
The Air Classifier works by introducing material into a system where it is subjected to centrifugal forces within the classifier wheel and vacuum forces from the outside. By adjusting the RPM, the number of blades, their spacing and configuration, along with the vacuum pressure, the device can achieve precise particle classification and separation.
Building a Greener Future with Lower Carbon Concrete and Ground Glass Pozzolan
An ambitious effort to combat climate change and align with global sustainability goals.
In an ambitious effort to combat climate change and align with global commitments like the Paris Agreement, the New York City Council enacted the Climate Mobilization Act in 2019. This comprehensive suite of laws seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability across various sectors. A crucial aspect of this transformative plan is Local Law 97, which specifically targets large existing buildings responsible for a significant proportion of the city’s greenhouse gas emissions. To meet the stringent requirements of this law, building owners are turning to innovative solutions like Ground Glass Pozzolan (GGP) in concrete mix to reduce their environmental impact and foster a more sustainable future.
Local Law 97 and the concrete challenge
As a key pillar of the Climate Mobilization Act, Local Law 97 is designed to set stringent carbon emissions caps for large existing buildings in New York City. Commencing in 2024, these buildings are obligated to meet specific carbon emission limits, with even more ambitious targets set for 2030. By prioritizing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, the law aims to make a significant impact on the city’s overall carbon footprint and contribute to global climate goals.
Concrete, a critical building material used extensively in construction, heavily relies on the production of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). However, OPC production comes with significant environmental costs, including resource depletion, energy consumption, and carbon emissions. As the building industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, addressing the impact of concrete production is vital to achieving climate goals.
To tackle the challenges posed by traditional concrete production, the industry has been seeking alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and pulverized fly ash (PFA). These SCMs offer eco-friendly options to reduce carbon emissions. However, uneven global distribution and potential scarcity as the energy sector transitions to greener sources present challenges to widespread adoption.
Ground Glass Pozzolan: a promising alternative
Amidst these challenges, Ground Glass Pozzolan (GGP) emerges as a promising alternative SCM. GGP, a supplementary cementitious material derived from suitable recycled glass products, offers an eco-friendly solution with its high content of amorphous silica. This unique characteristic enables GGP to exhibit similar pozzolanic reactivity to Portland cement, making it a valuable substitute for certain fly ashes and blast furnace slags.
The benefits of Ground Glass Pozzolan in concrete mix
- Increased strength and cost reduction: GGP enhances the long-term strength of concrete while reducing costs due to its availability as an inert waste material.
- Improved concrete properties: GGP improves the concrete pore structure, resulting in better electrical resistivity, low absorptivity, enhanced resistance to chloride penetration, and reduced alkali-silica reaction (ASR)-induced cracking and expansions.
- Sustainable material: Utilizing GGP in concrete helps reduce the demand for OPC, promoting a greener construction industry and supporting sustainable development.
- Enhanced workability: The inclusion of GGP enhances the workability of concrete, reducing the need for excessive water and chemical admixtures.
- Environmental benefits: By incorporating GGP into concrete mixes, builders can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with OPC production, aligning with New York City’s climate commitments.
A tangible path forward
As New York City pursues its ambitious emission reduction goals, Local Law 97 provides an excellent opportunity for large building owners to embrace GGP-infused concrete in their construction projects. By replacing up to 20–30% of Portland cement with GGP, building structures can become stronger, denser, less permeable, and more durable — all while playing a significant role in creating a greener, more eco-friendly city for future generations.
In the pursuit of sustainable building practices, companies like Microtec D&H play a vital role in supporting the implementation of GGP in construction projects. Microtec’s commitment to maintaining consistent size and quality of ground glass pozzolan ensures reliable and effective use in concrete mixes. Moreover, Microtec offers tailored solutions, allowing builders to address unique requirements and further promote sustainable building practices.
As part of the state’s broader commitment to sustainability, the GreenNY Specification serves as a guidance document for Design Professionals, including Architects and Engineers of Record. It provides valuable insights on how to specify lower-carbon concrete for construction projects, reducing the embodied carbon burden of the entire building industry in line with the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s GHG reduction goals.
Key components of the GreenNY Specification include Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide essential data on the life cycle of products, enabling comparisons between functionally similar products. The specification also encourages cement content limits, the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), blended aggregates, and responsible practices like limiting excess attic stock, responsible on-site use of excess concrete, and environmentally sound material disposal.
By adopting the GreenNY Specification and incorporating innovative solutions like Ground Glass Pozzolan in concrete mix, New York State moves closer to achieving its ambitious climate goals. As Design Professionals, industries, and communities unite in these efforts, a greener and more sustainable future becomes not just a dream but a tangible reality for New York City and beyond. Together, we pave the way for a resilient and eco-friendly future, setting a shining example for sustainable practices worldwide.
Shifting from a Linear Economy to a Circular Economy through Micronization
The linear economy model, with its take-make-dispose pattern, is giving way to something better.
In today’s world, the linear economy model, with its take-make-dispose approach, is proving to be unsustainable. As resources dwindle and waste accumulates, the need for a more circular and regenerative economic model becomes evident. One promising solution that paves the way for this transition is the utilization of micronization techniques. By reducing particle size and unlocking new opportunities for waste valorization, micronization holds the potential to transform our linear economy into a circular one.
Maximizing resource efficiency
Micronization plays a vital role in maximizing resource efficiency, a cornerstone of the circular economy. Through micronization, waste materials such as plastics, metals, minerals, and organic compounds can be processed and transformed into valuable resources. Reducing the particle size enhances the properties of waste materials, making them suitable for new applications and extending their useful life. Moreover, micronization facilitates waste minimization by improving the efficiency of subsequent treatment processes. Smaller particle sizes enable better recycling, composting, or reutilization of waste materials, diverting them from landfill or incineration. By extending the lifecycle of materials and reducing waste generation, micronization plays a crucial role in minimizing the environmental impact associated with resource consumption and disposal.
Waste-to-value pathways
Micronization serves as a catalyst for waste-to-value pathways within the circular economy. The micronized particles obtained from waste materials can be reintroduced into the production cycle as inputs for manufacturing processes or as ingredients for various industries. Additionally, micronization promotes product innovation by enabling the development of novel materials and value-added products. The fine particles obtained through micronization possess unique properties that can be leveraged for new applications, fostering creativity, and driving sustainable innovation across industries. One specific solution, AggrePlex, obtains old waste glass and transforms it into pozzolan which facilitates better concrete performance while being environmentally friendly.
A sustainable path forward
Micronization provides a powerful tool to drive the shift from a linear economy to a circular economy. By maximizing resource efficiency, driving waste-to-value pathways, promoting energy efficiency, and minimizing waste generation, micronization offers a sustainable path forward. As we harness the potential of micronization and adopt circular economy principles, we can unlock new opportunities for economic growth, reduce our reliance on virgin resources, and create a more sustainable and regenerative future for generations to come. The time for a circular economy powered by micronization is now, and together, we can pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable world.
How Microtec is Trying to Reduce Carbon Emissions in the Concrete Industry Using Pozzolan
Pozzolan is a group of natural or synthetic materials that can be used as a supplementary cementitious material.
Pozzolan is a group of natural or synthetic materials that can be used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete production. These materials are generally fine-grained and can react with the calcium hydroxide in water and cement to form cementitious compounds, such as calcium silicate hydrates and aluminate hydrates.
The use of pozzolanic materials in concrete production has been known for thousands of years, and it is widely used today in the construction industry. Some examples of natural pozzolans include volcanic ash, pumice, and diatomaceous earth, while synthetic pozzolans include fly ash and silica fume.
In addition to improving the strength and durability of concrete, using pozzolans can also reduce the amount of cement needed in concrete production, thereby reducing the construction industry’s carbon footprint.
Glass pozzolan: recycled and high-performing
Glass pozzolan is a type of pozzolan that is made from post-consumer recycled glass. It is finely ground and can be used as a supplementary cementitious material in concrete production, similar to other pozzolans.
There are several reasons why glass pozzolan is a popular choice in the construction industry. Firstly, it is a sustainable option, as it is made from recycled materials, which reduces waste and conserves natural resources. Secondly, it has a low carbon footprint, requiring less energy to produce than traditional cementitious materials.
Moreover, using glass pozzolan in concrete can enhance the material’s performance. When added to concrete, glass pozzolan can improve its strength, durability, and resistance to chemical attack. It can also reduce the heat generated during the setting and curing of the concrete, which can be particularly beneficial in large-scale concrete applications.
Finally, glass pozzolan can also improve the aesthetics of concrete. Depending on the type of glass used and the processing methods employed, it can impart a range of colors and textures to the material. This can be particularly useful in architectural applications where the appearance of concrete is an important consideration.
AggrePlex and greener concrete
Microtec’s AggrePlex is indeed a notable player in the pozzolan production space. Pozzolan is an essential ingredient in the production of green concrete, as it helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional cement manufacturing processes.
The traditional cement production method involves using limestone, which emits a significant amount of carbon dioxide during the calcination process. Conversely, pozzolan is a supplementary cementitious material that can be used as a partial replacement for cement in concrete mixtures. It offers several environmental benefits, including a reduced carbon footprint, improved durability, and enhanced long-term performance.
AggrePlex, developed by Microtec, is a leading solution in the production of pozzolan. Its manufacturing process likely involves using industrial byproducts, such as fly ash, silica fume, or slag, often obtained from power plants or metal smelting operations. By utilizing these byproducts, AggrePlex reduces waste and the need for additional resource extraction. Additionally, the production of pozzolan through AggrePlex is expected to be less carbon-intensive than the conventional cement manufacturing process. This is because using industrial byproducts requires less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases. By offering a greener alternative, AggrePlex can contribute to sustainable construction practices and help reduce the environmental impact of concrete production.
It’s worth noting that while AggrePlex may be a leader in the pozzolan production space, there may be other companies and technologies operating in this field as well. The advancements in green concrete and sustainable construction practices continue to evolve, with various solutions emerging to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly building materials.
About Microtec Development & Holdings
Microtec Development & Holdings is a technology and holdings company located in Myakka City, Florida. The Microtec grinding technology is a proven, patented, and scalable grinding technology with 80+ installations worldwide with 20+ years of production on numerous hard-to-grind materials and is available in both small and industrial sizes. Microtec Development & Holdings partners include: Resource Group U.S., AggrePlex, and Encell.
How is Microtec's Revolutionary Micronization Technology Transforming the Waste Industry — and What Does it Mean for Us?
The shifting focus to aid our environment, in the way of directly countering waste.
The shifting focus to aid our environment, in the way of directly countering what has gone on for a few centuries (Anthropocene), will be essential in the coming years.
Microtec Development & Holdings is emerging as a superhero for the environment offering a unique and innovative solution.
In most cases, landfills are municipal solid waste facilities that collect and bury whatever isn’t sent to municipal recovery facilities (otherwise known as MRFs). This includes food waste, paper, glass, plastic, and other products that could otherwise be composted or recycled.
Microtec uses revolutionary Micronization technology to transform this waste and other end-of-life products into engineered materials that can be used for other functions.
From waste glass to pozzolan
A perfect example would be how the Microtec Micronization converts waste glass into pozzolan, then used to create concrete. Essentially, waste glass is transmuted into an engineered material that creates more robust, durable products and offers a use even after its original use has been served.
Not only does the Microtec process allow for waste to be re-engineered and reduce waste that ends up in landfills, but the process is phenomenally eco-friendly and has a significant environmental impact. By engaging the Microtec Micronization process, we can save on energy, electricity, and water consumption.
A complete circular economy
The Microtec Micronization technology allows for a complete circular economy, marking a wholesale change to the model in which resources are mined, made into products, and then become waste. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products. The Microtec technology has created a novel waste-to-product stream, a regenerative cycle that has paved the way to use waste products to transform them into new products further. These waste products may exist anywhere and stand as new feedstock from local sources instead of being melted down or landfilled. This new feedback loop will allow companies to sell new products with superior performance, benefiting the companies and the environment, as no melting equals reduced carbon emissions.
The future of upcycling
Microtec Development & Holdings is a powerful driving force in the future of “Upcycling”. Upcycling is a term that goes beyond recycling — “upcycling” means increasing material value.
Microtec uses advanced particle engineering techniques to transform used industrial and manufacturing waste into highly reactive materials/substrates that meet client specifications.
Microtec’s AggrePlex is creating a more sustainable future by providing multiple material re-entry options into the manufacturing/concrete supply chain process, aligning with Microtec’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across our supply chain.
Microtec’s AggrePlex enables peace of mind and competitive advantage from sustainable, high-value, end-of-life solutions, making businesses and, more importantly, the environment happy.
Microtec Development & Holdings U.S.A. Enters Purchase Agreement with Microtec GmbH to Move Headquarters to United States
MTDH has entered into a purchase agreement acquiring 100% of Microtec GmbH's business assets and patents.
Microtec Development & Holdings U.S.A. has entered into a purchase agreement with Microtec GmbH (Germany) who is now in the process of moving its headquarters to Southwest Florida to create a world-class facility that will focus on the task of identifying and commercializing waste-to-value materials.
A proven partnership
This isn’t the first time that Microtec GmbH Founder and CEO, Josef Fischer, and Microtec Development & Holdings U.S.A. Co-Founder and CEO, Anthony Cialone, have come together to work on a substantial project. The two sustainable minds had come together in the past to solve the tire-recycling problem by reintroducing the finer particles back to the manufacturer of tires through the Microtec patented-technology.
As seen through their partnership between Microtec GmbH (Fischer) and Lehigh Technologies’ (Cialone) tire recycling, the two have already overcome the manufacturing technical hurdles of reintroducing products into high-end, high-performance, high-functioning applications and now plan on doing this once again with another waste-to-value stream.
Glass to pozzolan, at commercial scale
Microtec Development & Holdings U.S.A. is focused on transitioning glass into pozzolan, a strong, high-functioning aggregate of concrete, that will replace Portland-limestone cement and reduce the concrete industry’s carbon footprint. They plan on doing this together through the operations of AggrePlex.
AggrePlex’s disruptive technology allows for a product to reach the market, and specifically one that the market desperately both recognizes and needs, but has not been able to produce in commercial quantities.
About Microtec Development & Holdings
Microtec Development & Holdings is a technology and holdings company located in Myakka City, Florida. The Microtec grinding technology is a proven, patented, and scalable grinding technology with 80+ installations worldwide with 20+ years of production on numerous hard-to-grind materials and is available in both small and industrial sizes. Microtec Development & Holdings partners include: Resource Group U.S., AggrePlex, and Encell.
