UKCS 2026: A Look Back – Part Two | Innovation, sustainability & industry insights

 

Seminars focus on practical delivery and materials innovation

The Concrete Connect Seminar Theatre delivered a well-attended two-day programme, with sessions focused on practical implementation, specification and measurable performance across the concrete lifecycle. Many sessions were reported to be standing room only, reflecting strong demand for delivery-focused technical content. Hosted by broadcaster and sustainability commentator Susannah Streeter, the programme combined technical presentations with panel discussions and audience Q&A.

The opening session, From specification to site: sustainable concrete in practice, set the tone. Dr Noushin Khosravi, head of sustainability at MPA UK Concrete, outlined progress against the UK Concrete and Cement Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero, including developments in low-carbon specification and procurement. This was followed by Dr Vaishnav Kumar Shenbagam, research fellow at the University of Leeds, who presented BCSA cement technology capable of delivering 25–35% lower emissions using UK waste-derived materials while remaining compatible with conventional kiln infrastructure. Contributions from Tarmac, Converge and J Coffey Group demonstrated how CEVO Digital and integrated data platforms are being used to track carbon, cost and programme performance in real time.

Materials innovation continued in the lunchtime session on advanced carbons, with input from the Advanced Carbons Council, Concretene and the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre. Presentations examined the performance benefits of graphene-based admixtures alongside the challenges of scaling from laboratory trials to site deployment.

The afternoon session on ternary cements and calcined clays, led by The Concrete Society, featured contributions from Gareth Wake (BRMCA, MPA), Apostolos Tsoumelekas (Skanska UK), Simon Chudley (LKAB Minerals), and Professor Leon Black (University of Leeds). The session focused on implementation through standards such as BS 8500. Case studies demonstrated how calcined clay concretes are now being used in UK infrastructure designed for 120-year service life, with attention to workability, strength development and durability.

Day two sessions shifted towards precast, repair and testing, alongside digital maturity monitoring. Contributions from Andrea Charlson (The Concrete Centre) and Christian Stone (Concrete Preservation Technologies) addressed precast design efficiency, circular economy principles and practical repair strategies. Presentations from Balfour Beatty Vinci (including William Brentnall and George McArthur) and OTB Concrete’s Marcus Hine showed how embedded sensors and maturity methods can be used to assess in-situ strength, reducing reliance on cube testing and enabling earlier formwork striking and programme gains.

View the Wednesday sessions  View the Thursday sessions 

 

Advancing sustainability through materials and specification

Decarbonisation remained a central theme across both the exhibition floor and seminar programme, with a clear shift towards solutions that can be implemented within existing production and specification frameworks.

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) featured prominently, led by LKAB Minerals' reclaimed brick-waste calcined clay and Material Evolution’s MevoCem. Admixture technologies focused on improving mix efficiency and reducing cement demand. Active Minerals International showcased Acti-Gel 208, designed to enhance rheology, reduce segregation and enable stable, pumpable mixes across a range of applications.

Universal Matter highlighted the growing commercial application of graphene-enhanced admixtures. Its Genable Decarbonizer admixture was presented as a route to increased compressive strength, higher SCM utilisation and lower clinker content without compromising durability or early strength. The system can support cement reductions of up to 15% in some applications. Andrew Curry, business development manager, said environmental pressures remain a key driver, but productivity and cost benefits are increasingly influencing uptake, noting the technology is already being used “in live jobs at a commercial scale” with four major producers.

Elsewhere, Adomast Manufacturing highlighted its range of construction chemicals, including release agents, curing compounds and admixtures, with a focus on water-based formulations designed for safer use in enclosed environments. The company said its water-based technology offers environmental, health and safety, and cost benefits as the industry continues to move away from solvent-based systems in response to increasing regulatory and commercial pressures.

Cormac Engineering highlighted the growing importance of closed-loop water and material handling systems, announcing a new UK partnership with AJF. The collaboration brings water treatment and concrete recycling technologies to the market, supporting producers in meeting increasingly stringent environmental requirements. “The response from visitors throughout the show was highly positive, with strong interest across our core offering, including Frumecar batching plants and self-service concrete solutions,” said Darren Hughes, sales manager at Cormac Engineering.

 

Digitalisation and data-led concrete production

Digital tools and data integration were increasingly visible across both plant and site operations, with systems designed to improve accuracy, reduce waste and provide greater transparency.

Batching and production control were key areas of development. Command Alkon’s Cloud Batch and Batch AI systems demonstrated how machine learning can optimise weigh-up accuracy, while Haarup and fibo Intercon highlighted automated batching systems with integrated monitoring. Haarup used the show to discuss ongoing development of its batching and planetary mixer systems, focusing on design changes aimed at reducing cleaning time, improving durability and extending service life in harsh production environments. fibo Intercon's Alex Atkinson noted that digital monitoring tools are becoming increasingly important for improved process control and environmental reporting in both concrete and mortar applications.

In-transit and on-site monitoring technologies reflected a shift towards continuous data capture. Cloud Cycle’s platform enables real-time tracking of slump, temperature and water addition, while Converge presented integrated data platforms designed to bring together multiple data streams to support real-time decision-making. Testing and strength verification technologies are also evolving, highlighted by Giatec’s SmartRock Pro sensor providing real-time embedded data to reduce reliance on traditional cube testing.

 

Precast, repair and testing technologies

Precast production, concrete repair and testing technologies were well represented, focusing on durability, quality control and long-term asset performance.

recast manufacturing systems highlighted efficiency. Progress Group presented its SPI 3D concrete printing system, enabling formwork-free production of complex elements, while Columbia Machine introduced its Big Board Mold Inspection Device, designed to support structured inspection and maintenance of moulds in high-volume production.

Formwork and structural systems also featured strongly. Nebaco demonstrated aluminium formwork systems designed for repetitive construction with reduced cycle times, while Doka showcased DokaXact, a sensor-based system providing real-time monitoring of concrete pressure and anchor loads during pours. Doka also highlighted updates to its SaaS platform alongside intelligent heated formwork systems currently undergoing live trials in Nordic countries. Concrete repair and surface preparation solutions were supported by Structural Repairs, Lord & James Surface Preparation and Procter Johnson.

Testing and quality assurance remained a core requirement. Controls Testing Equipment presented laboratory and site testing systems alongside O.C.O Technology and Contec Fiber, highlighting materials and fibre technologies designed to enhance performance and extend service life. Controls also showcased its new Automax Pro-M, XTrim and SmartFlex EmS systems, reflecting the company's renewed focus on automation and integrated testing following the expansion of its UK operations. Visitor engagement was strong, said general manager Andrew Prior, particularly from concrete producers and plant operators.

Across these areas, the emphasis was on measurable performance, repeatability and extending asset life through improved design, production and maintenance.

 

Screeding, flooring and specialist applications

Screeding and flooring technologies formed a defined area of focus, reflecting continued demand for high-performance floor systems and efficient installation methods.

Besser used the show to highlight developments across its concrete block machinery range, including new servo pack technology and dual vibration systems. The company also discussed growing demand for concrete block production equipment, alongside calibration and polishing systems used by major manufacturers. Fred Jacobs, director of training and education, and Mike Munro, sales manager (EAME), noted that the show remains an important platform for long-term relationship building. “A show is a shop front – customers come to you,” they said, adding that discussions with customers can often continue for several years before investment decisions are made. Besser also highlighted additions to its robotics range, including automated handling systems for concrete production environments.

PCT Chemie highlighted its Retanol screed additives, designed to support rapid drying, early strength development and reduced shrinkage, enabling faster project turnaround. Somero demonstrated laser screed technology aimed at achieving high flatness tolerances and consistent surface finishes across large areas. Flowing screed systems and application techniques were also represented, with increasing emphasis on pumpability and compatibility with underfloor heating, supported by the Flowing Screeds Association. Surface preparation and finishing technologies were supported by exhibitors such as SRS Machinery Services and Preptec.

The sector continues to move towards systems that combine material performance with installation efficiency, reducing programme time while maintaining consistent quality.

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Next time, we conclude our look back with the people and organisations helping shape the future of concrete, from industry bodies and Emerging Talent to what's next for The UK Concrete Show in 2027.