Idaho State University announced on Apr. 27 the first field deployment of Sweetcrete, a new concrete blend made with Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC), a byproduct from the Amalgamated Sugar Company’s facility in Paul, Idaho. The project aims to reduce cement use and production costs while maintaining strength comparable to conventional concrete.
The use of Sweetcrete marks an important step for industry and local communities as it moves from laboratory testing into real-world applications. “It’s always exciting to see applied research move out of the lab and create real impact for industry and communities,” said Jared Cantrell, associate director of strategic partnerships and innovation at ISU. “The deployment marks a critical phase for the project and is a significant milestone for this Idaho-grown innovation.”
Sweetcrete was used to construct an asphalt spray-down rack at Kloepfer Inc., where semi-trucks drive through to apply a release agent so asphalt does not stick to their beds. The pad measured 9 feet wide, 71 feet long, and 8 inches thick, using a total of 21.5 cubic yards of Sweetcrete. This site provides conditions needed to test the material’s durability outside controlled environments.
Mustafa Mashal, associate vice president for research and innovation partnerships at ISU and lead inventor of Sweetcrete, said: “Sweetcrete demonstrates how university research can translate into practical, scalable solutions that benefit industry while advancing innovation in environmental security.” He added that leveraging local materials creates value streams for Idaho’s economy.
Support came from the Idaho State Board of Education’s Higher Education Research Council under the Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission Grant Program as well as ISU’s Office for Research. Industry partners included Aaron Kloepfer from Kloepfer Inc., along with Brian Roberson and Jeff Squibb from Amalgamated Sugar Company.
“I was very intrigued to put Sweetcrete in a controlled environment,” explained Aaron Klopfler. “I knew that it needed to be like a real-life application, but not hazardous to the public — we happened to have just the right application. Ultimately, I saw the opportunity and decided to take it.”
Brian Roberson, director of feed products at Amalgamated Sugar Company said: “This project represents an important step forward in finding higher‑value, more sustainable uses for our PCC byproduct… seeing PCC‑containing concrete successfully produced and poured in a commercial setting demonstrates the real potential of this material.”
ISU students are also involved in all phases under faculty guidance including Kavita Sharma among others; they gain technical knowledge through hands-on experience with civil engineering projects related to Sweetcrete.
“Being part of a project that explores the use of an industrial byproduct like precipitated calcium carbonate in a meaningful and innovative way is something I take pride in,” said Prajita Budhathoki, undergraduate research assistant.
As data is analyzed from this initial pour at Burley site, ISU plans further projects such as sidewalks or retaining walls using Sweetcrete blends. “Kloepfer Inc.’s stepping up…is testament to university-industry partnerships,” Cantrell added.
