Betolar and Balsam Laboratory revolutionize tunnel construction with sustainable circular economy solutions

Betolar Plc

Press Release 

13 December at 10:00 A.M. EET

Betolar and Balsam Laboratory revolutionize tunnel construction with sustainable circular economy solutions 

Betolar and the leading tunnel construction solutions provider, Balsam Laboratory, have initiated a joint development project aimed at utilizing fine crusher dust from tunnel drilling in tunnel construction. Sustainable low-carbon circular economy solutions will enhance resource efficiency and reduce cement consumption. 

Betolar conducts research to maximize the use of slurry in mix design for injection fill. These studies improve the sustainability of tunnel construction by effectively utilizing sidestreams from tunnel drilling. The method reduces waste by recycling materials. 

"This collaboration highlights our innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges. The project embodies our commitment to promoting the circular economy in the industry, which is at the core of our business," says Tuija Kalpala, President and CEO of Betolar 

The goal is also to reduce the overall binder requirement in the new solution. Betolar and Balsam Laboratory aim to identify alternative local and regional materials and use them as raw materials for the binder. This minimizes the environmental impact of tunnel construction and significantly reduces CO₂ emissions. 

"By leveraging our data-driven material technologies and identified recycled materials, we aim to revolutionize the implementation methods of tunnel construction projects. Our expertise in low-carbon solutions for the mining and construction industries makes Betolar an ideal partner in tunnel construction as well. Additionally, we offer low-carbon shotcrete solutions," Kalpala explains. 

Balsam Laboratory operates actively in Canada, Singapore and China, focusing on developing innovative methods to improve sustainability in the tunnel construction industry. 

For further enquiries: 

Tuija Kalpala, President and CEO, Betolar Plc, tel. +358 50 567 6608, email: tuija.kalpala@betolar.com 

About Betolar Plc 

Betolar Plc is a pioneering Finnish materials technology company driving the green transition in mining and construction. Betolar’s mission is to help reduce CO₂ emissions and the use of virgin natural resources. 

Betolar develops low-carbon and waste-free solutions for the mining and metals industries, and its Geoprime® solution produces i.a. the world's lowest-emission hollow-core slabs. Betolar’s AI-powered Data Platform turns industrial side streams into value, accelerates solution development and builds global markets for side streams. 

Betolar was founded in 2016 and is domiciled in Kannonkoski, Finland. Betolar is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market. For more information, visit www.betolar.com

About Balsam Laboratory 

Balsam Laboratory Company Ltd has been in the tunnel-boring industry for over 25 years, constantly in the pursuit of new technology and innovative methods of applying its products. In collaboration with numerous research universities, firms and a vast customer base, the company has developed and improved new technologies, methods, and materials in the field of tunnel construction. From establishing its own laboratory in 2020, to setting the qualitative standard of shield grease, to developing thixotropic construction method Jello-Mud, and to having our own line of tail seal grease. As a leading enterprise in the field of tunnel excavation, sustainable progress is our bottom line. For more information, visit www.balsamlaboratory.ca