Xiriton, a sustainable concrete substitute made from local grasses and seawater, captures CO₂ instead of emitting it. NIOZ researchers tested it for shell banks and salt marshes, finding that blocks became about 70% covered with oysters, mussels, and algae within a year.
Its neutral pH (8–9) is gentler on marine life than traditional concrete, and its strength can match concrete alternatives. Xiriton’s lifetime can be adjusted to naturally degrade once ecosystems are self-sustaining. It’s versatile, cost-effective, and moldable for large-scale restoration projects.
Developed by Frank Bucher, Xiriton can be used like bricks without baking or clean water, and can combine with wood for innovative structures.
Researchers see it as a nature-inclusive option for breakwaters, seawalls, and artificial reefs, offering durability with a much smaller ecological footprint.
https://phys.org/partners/royal-netherlands-institute-for-sea-research
