Lime - The champion of recarbonation

EuLA, the European Lime Association, represents the European non-captive lime production across 24 Member States, encompassing both companies and national associations. Lime is one of the essential building blocks of modern industry, integral to processes such as iron and steel production, environmental protection, and the construction of buildings. The European Lime sector is working toward net-negative emissions by 2050, and recarbonation - the natural reabsorption of CO₂ by lime-based products throughout their lifecycle - is at the heart of this ambition.

Today, recarbonation is already responsible for up to 33% CO₂ uptake within the first year of lime product use. But its climate potential remains underestimated and unaccounted for in current carbon markets and policy frameworks. In collaboration with South Pole, EuLA has published a report showcasing how lime products, particularly in iron and steel, sand lime bricks, and flue gas treatment applications, can significantly reduce and remove up to 2.2 million tonnes CO₂ in Europe alone through enhanced recarbonation. At the European Mortar Summit, we will present these insights and present two case studies illustrating lime’s role in turning industrial residues into carbon sinks. Our session will conclude with a focused look at lime mortars, one of the most impactful applications in the built environment. Lime mortars not only enhance building durability and circularity, but they also actively remove CO₂ from the atmosphere permanently. Harnessing lime’s recarbonation potential means building stronger structures and a more resilient future.