End Markets Committee Update

By: Will Hancock and Lincoln Young

We recently welcomed guest presenter Michael Dorsch from Martlin Distributing LLC, who discussed pellet production for use in solidification. Martlin developed a remediation product established 12 years ago that aims to minimize the amount of drying material required to solidify liquid waste. He discussed the benefits of using "power pellets", a super absorbent polymer blend, which the company believes is superior to traditional wood pellets or high calcium lime, while also eliminating some environmental hazards.

One sack can treat 1,500 gallons of liquid waste. Michael mentioned the company's current shipping volume and typical locations where the product is being used, such as fly ash ponds and chemical waste lagoons. He concluded by expressing the company's focus on investigating and securing production opportunities at recycling facilities through a new pilot program launched in early 2024, to establish new revenue streams. The company is already quite active in the northeast. Committee members then engaged Dominic Walker (Caroline Pellet Systems) on a variety of questions related to emissions, pellet sizes, the amount of time needed to start operations at new facilities, and onsite storage needs.

Next, Nathan Strubhar from Alpha Interloc discussed the production of Biochar/Biocarbon-based next-generation concrete building materials and their applications. The product reviewed is a lightweight carbon-based concrete, made from sawmill waste and other wood waste, which can be used in agricultural applications as well as for building structures. He highlighted the material's unique properties, such as its high thermal insulation and resistance to heat, making it suitable for high-temperature environments. Nathan also mentioned the potential for using this paintable concrete in precast block construction, which could serve as both siding and insulation in one pass. He expressed interest in building a demonstration house using this method and is working on achieving engineering standards for its structural safety.

The committee continues to stay on top of market developments for C&D materials and appreciates the involvement of every CDRA member company!