Mineral

White outlines of materials against a teal blue background

MINERAL

1. BACTERIA BRICK 
Biolith | bioMASON 
Precast paving tile comprising ~85% natural aggregate and 15% Biocement material. Biocement is produced by microorganisms that excrete calcium carbonate crystals to bind together small aggregates. This brick-growing process requires no added heat and emits zero emissions, offering a sustainable alternative to Portland cement-based products such as concrete.  
CMF: human health, climate health

2. PAPER STONE 
Solid Color Panels | PaperStone 
This composite board is made of post-consumer recycled paper and cardboard, pressed with phenolic resin made of industrial by-products. Though it has a stone-like durability and appearance, its workability is similar to wood. PaperStone® serves many applications, including commercial and residential countertops, interior and exterior cladding, and furniture. It bears Class A fire ratings, as well as FSC forestry and NSF Foodsafe certifications. 
CMF: circularity

3. RECYCLED STYROFOAM AGGREGATE 
Enstryock | Enstyro 
An alternative aggregate made from recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS or styrofoam) agglomerated with a rigid binder. The product can be used in a lightweight and insulating concrete mix that contains 80% recycled content by volume. It is available in sizes up to 1.5 inches in diameter.  
CMF: climate health, circularity

4. MICROALGAE CONCRETE 
ProZero® Block-Based Construction | Prometheus Materials 
A bio-based block generated by biomineralizing microalgae that utilize water, sunlight, and CO2. Various species are utilized, which produce calcium carbonate deposits through natural biological processes. Rather than emitting carbon, as is the case in the production of traditional Portland cement-based concrete, carbon is sequestered within. The material compares favorably to concrete, at 12x the sound absorption and 2x the thermal insulation, at a 15-20% reduction in weight.  
CMF: human health, climate health, circularity

5. UPCYCLED CONCRETE AGGREGATE 
Upcycled RCA Aggregate | Blue Planet  
Upcycled aggregate is a by-product of reclaimed concrete that has been through Blue Planet's calcium extraction process (in the production of carbon dioxide sequestered limestone). It is suitable for most concrete mixes and offers a recycled alternative to traditional aggregate, reducing emissions related to extraction and transportation.  
CMF: climate health, circularity

6. PAPER BLOCK 
Greenstar Blox | Mason Greenstar 
CMU-sized block made from papercrete, a blend of recycled paper, cement, and other additives. Additives can include recycled glass, fly ash, earth clay, and lime. Papercrete is resistant to fire, water, termites, and mold, and provides insulation. It can be used for internal or external applications. Made in Mason, Texas, within 125 miles of Austin. 
CMF: climate health, circularity

7. PAPER BRICK 
Greenstar Brix | Mason Greenstar 
Brick made from papercrete, a blend of recycled paper, cement, and other additives. Additives can include recycled glass, fly ash, earth clay, and lime. Papercrete is resistant to fire, water, termites, and mold, and provides insulation. It can be used for internal or external applications. Made in Mason, Texas, within 125 miles of Austin.
CMF: climate health, circularity

8. PAPER AGGREGATE 
Greenstar Rox | Mason Greenstar 
A lightweight aggregate for use in concrete made from post-industrial, de-inked paper that has been treated and steam dried. This product is a more sustainable substitute for traditional concrete aggregates, diverting industrial paper refuse from the waste stream. Made in Mason, Texas, within 125 miles of Austin. 
CMF: climate health, circularity

9. RECYCLED PLASTIC GRAVEL 
Smart Gravel | ArqLite 
Synthetic aggregate made from 100% recycled, single-use, foodsafe plastics. It is BPA and leachate-free. Applications include use in gardening, hydroponics, and construction. The aggregate is 3x lighter and 10x more insulative than traditional mineral gravel. 
CMF: climate health, circularity

10. AERATED CONCRETE 
E-crete | E-crete 
Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) is a lightweight and durable material that contains ~80% air. It is made from cement and fine aggregates combined with an expansion agent (aluminum powder) that causes the mix to foam and rise through chemical reactions. A final autoclaving step, which applies heat and pressure to formed blocks or panels. Unlike conventional concrete, AAC can be cut to size using hand tools.  
CMF: climate health

11. RECYCLED GLASS AGGREGATE 
Poraver | Poraver North America 
Expanded glass is made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass. The material is first mixed with a foaming agent, then expanded through heat - producing spherical granules that range from 0.04 mm to 4 mm in diameter. Expanded glass is lightweight with a low density. Due to its closed cellular structure, it is also highly resistant to fire, moisture, and chemicals. Poraver® is used as an aggregate in lightweight concrete, tile adhesive, and plaster. It is also suitable for use as a bound or unbound insulating material. 
CMF: climate health, circularity

12. FLEXIBLE STONE 
TXTR-LITE | TXTR-LITE 
A lightweight, flexible 1mm-2mm thick stone veneer backed with a polymer composite allowing for new applications in stone, such as bending around tight curves. The veneer exists in a variety of colors and finishes. It can be easily cut and attached to other surfaces using adhesive. TXTR-LITE offers some of the benefits of real stone, like resistance to weather and UV exposure, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. 
CMF: climate health

13. CONCRETE CANVAS 
Concrete Canvas | Concrete Canvas 
A geosynthetic cementitious composite mat (GCCM) known as "concrete on a roll." When hydrated, formed, and cured, it forms a concrete shell. Concrete Canvas uses 95% less material than conventional concrete, reducing embodied energy as well as transportation emissions. The product contains four components: a porous top layer made of canvas; a 3-D fiber matrix that provides internal structure and maintains a consistent thickness throughout the assembly; a dry cementitious mix, dispersed throughout the matrix; and a PVC backing which makes the composite watertight. Applications include erosion control, emergency shelter, and containment.  
CMF: climate health


The Common Materials Framework (CMF) organizes sustainability factors into five industry-standard categories: human health; climate health; ecosystem health; social health & equity; and circularity.