Ecology and economy go hand-in-hand in production of precast concrete blocks

The "Blue Economy" concept of scientist Gunter Pauli means that everything that is ecologically good and good for the environment must also be economically sound and feasible for producer and customer. At construction group Carmans in Lummen, they were immediately convinced of this. The specialist in versatility with contracting assignments, concrete production in its own concrete plant, soil remediation and waste disposal recently started a new activity, namely the production of BLUEBLOCKS. These quickly and easily stackable precast concrete blocks are made from reclaimed raw materials and are produced using renewable energy.

Father Carmans started in 1963 with a small transport company, but soon expanded those activities to include the construction of driveways in cobblestones and asphalt and later road construction for tenders. Today, the construction group has about fifty employees and three main activities: Carmans Aannemingen, Carmans BT (Blue Technology) and BLUEBLOCKS. "Especially since the 1990s, Carmans has experienced steady growth. For example, we grew into a major player in the soil stabilization and rubble recycling sector with the first COPRO-approved mobile concrete crusher in Flanders that could deliver certified aggregates. And since we needed concrete continuously, we invested in the construction of a concrete plant," explains sales director Yves Liberloo. "Driven by the principle of Blue Technology, Carmans BT started to specialize in recycling and cleaning all kinds of contaminated soils and waste materials. To that end, in 2005 we started a soil cleaning center where those soils and waste materials are transformed into reusable secondary raw materials. In this way, we create a closed system and have been doing circular economy for a long time, even before the term was actually used. We also use renewable energy in our production processes, such as wind turbines and solar panels."

Blue Economy

Experience shows that the known green economy makes products more expensive. The blue economy (Blue Economy) implies that everything ecological is also economically sound and feasible for producer and customer. For Carmans, a low environmental impact alone is not enough; there must also be other economic benefits, for example the use of a maximum of secondary raw materials and the production of these raw materials on site so that transport distances are minimized. Furthermore, the goal is the realization of a technically equivalent or better product, service or process that is easier to use and certainly not more expensive. 

Blueblocks

Carmans follows the market closely and, as a family business with short lines, is able to respond quickly and react appropriately to changes in the market. For example, the company invested in a fully automated line for the production of BLUEBLOCKS - a product that fits perfectly within the "Blue Economy" concept. "These are precast concrete blocks made from reclaimed raw materials, which are also produced entirely with renewable energy. The range today consists of more than ten formats, all of which feature round studs for an aesthetic finish and quick and easy installation, without additional fasteners. This creates a flexible building system that can be modified or moved at any time," Liberloo explains. "They are used to create retaining walls and storage areas for building materials, in bulk corn and other products and in storage halls and warehouses, among others. The fire-resistant properties make the concrete blocks ideally suited for fire-resistant walls in sheds or on sites, and a finish with a gabion and lava rock results in excellent acoustic properties, for example for sound walls."