The Innovation Cafés were organised by all project partners of the ReBuilt project, which focuses on circular and digital solutions in construction. The events dismantled traditional silos, fostering the co-creation of ideas to address critical challenges in the construction industry, particularly in sustainability and the circular economy. They focused on reducing waste, enhancing resource efficiency, and promoting sustainable construction practices. International collaboration enabled participants to exchange knowledge, identify best practices across borders, and accelerate the scaling of innovations.
2# Innovation Café, 6.3.2025
The second online Innovation Café was organised by Austrian, Hungarian and Polish partners.
Three innovations were presented:
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Hempstatic GmbH, Alexander Ebert (Austria) Development of fire-resistant insulation materials based on hemp. The company presented a hempcrete product that reduces CO₂ emissions and supports sustainable construction.
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MAKrópa Kft.,Krisztián Méhes (Hungary) A waste-based concrete additive (WLC) that can replace up to 100% of gravel and sand. The technology provides a solution to reduce landfill waste while producing sustainable building materials.
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Warsaw University of Technology, Leszek Majewski (Poland) Thermal and acoustic insulation panels made from textile waste, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional insulation materials.
Conclusion
The Innovation Café successfully facilitated the exchange of ideas and expertise among participants, highlighting key challenges and opportunities in sustainable construction.
Key Takeaways:
- Material innovation is a priority: The use of secondary raw materials in insulation and concrete solutions showcased the industry’s move toward circularity.
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Regulatory barriers need to be addressed: Each innovation faces distinct but significant legal and market-entry challenges, requiring policy engagement and strategic partnerships.
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Fire safety remains a common challenge: Ensuring compliance with fire resistance standards is a key issue that all innovators must address to achieve market scalability.
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Collaborative efforts are essential: Cross – border cooperation between research institutions, businesses, and policymakers will be critical in driving these innovations toward commercial success.
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By leveraging the synergies identified in this event, the innovators and stakeholders can take concrete steps toward implementing these sustainable construction solutions on a larger scale.