"Geopolymers are construction materials that behave like cement—or even offer certain advantages over cement—while being almost CO₂-free during production. Moreover, they can be recycled endlessly," explains Professor Martin Bertau, a researcher and co-inventor of the patent, who holds the Chair of Technical Chemistry at TU Bergakademie Freiberg. "I can also foam these polymers to create a material with insulation properties similar to polystyrene, yet one that allows buildings to breathe. Since only a single building material is used in construction, recycling of the materials at the end of the building’s life becomes significantly easier. Another key advantage is that geopolymers are non-flammable and resistant to acids," adds team member Dr. Michael Kraft.

New Paths Toward a CO₂-Reduced Circular Economy

The patented technology holds immense potential for climate-friendly and resource-efficient construction, as the construction sector in Germany is responsible for roughly one-third of all CO₂ emissions. As these new building blocks are manufactured from over 99 percent secondary raw materials, they represent an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional materials. "They offer comparable or even superior performance to traditional bricks and concrete, including high thermal stability and resistance to chemicals. Yet, their production avoids energy-intensive processes, significantly reducing environmental impact," says Bertau.

European Recognition for Cutting-Edge Research from Freiberg

The official patent certificate was published on May 6, 2026, by the European Patent Office. The patent holder is the Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg, one of the world’s most renowned universities in mineral and materials science. The granting of this European patent strengthens the university’s position as a globally visible innovation driver in sustainable materials technologies and industrial transformation.