From traditional concrete to innovation
Masterbloc is a family-owned company with deep roots in concrete production. But nearly 20 years ago, owner Bjorn Gubbels decided to change course. In collaboration with KU Leuven and ORBIX, an alternative to cement was developed: one that doesn’t add to emissions, but actually captures CO₂.
The result: Carbstone.
“We replace cement with CO₂ and use residual streams from the steel industry. That’s how we create products that are truly circular on an industrial scale.” – Bjorn Gubbels
What makes Carbstone so special?
- CO₂ as a binder instead of cement
- Residual materials as raw materials – no new extraction needed
- CO₂-negative – the material captures more CO₂ than it emits
- Fully circular in application – from walls to wall elements
Carbstone is the only product in Europe produced in this way and applicable at industrial scale. No bio-experiments that compete with agricultural land, but robust products with proven performance.
Circularity as a baseline
According to Gubbels, circularity shouldn’t be a marketing term, but a basic requirement:
“ETS2 is coming in 2027. Producers and builders will have to account for CO₂ emissions. We’re already anticipating that.”
That is why Masterbloc chooses transparency through the Madaster platform. All relevant material data for Carbstone is now registered, enabling designers and builders to know exactly what they use – and what its circular value is.
Carbstone is more than a product: it’s a statement.
And with partners like Madaster, that message becomes measurable and visible throughout the entire value chain.
Curious to see more? Carbstone products are now available in the Madaster platform.
