Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen visited Mapei's factory at Sand in Nord-Odal for the first time on Thursday. It was an enthusiastic and curious Minister of Climate and Environment who, after an introduction from the CEO of Mapei, Trond Hagerud, joined a tour of the research laboratories at Mapei's plant in Nord-Odal municipality.
The purpose of the minister's visit was to gain an even better understanding of Mapei's research and development of new additives in concrete, with the aim of significantly reducing CO₂ emissions from the production and use of concrete in the future.
- There is a fantastic effort being made here in Odalen in this field. I don't think many Norwegians realize the significance the results can have globally when research from here succeeds. Emissions from the construction industry are one of the causes of the climate challenges the world is facing - Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
The minister believes that the authorities must get the funding agencies to coordinate better and streamline the application processes.
- Government support schemes for sustainable innovation are very important for strengthening and further developing Norwegian workplaces - Andreas Bjelland Eriksen.
During the climate and environment minister's visit, the delegation from the ministry and the municipal management in Nord-Odal gained an insight into our various sub-projects within cement and concrete that focus on the production of low-carbon cement, low-carbon concrete and increased reuse/recycling in the concrete industry. Recently, we launched a series of products that will help concrete producers meet the requirements of the new regulation on emissions from concrete activities. This regulation will be introduced on January 1, 2026.
The Minister and his entourage also gained insight into how much CO2 reduction we believe the concrete industry in Norway can achieve by using our technology, and how Mapei in Norway works strategically with innovation to develop unique products and solutions that can significantly increase the lifespan of existing structures. as well as show how we with our knowledge and technology can help solve our common sustainability goals by developing products and solutions with a lower climate footprint.
- Here at Mapei in Nord-Odal, they show how creating jobs and cutting emissions are linked. Investments in research and development provide important jobs and new products that are needed in Norway and the world. It's important that we continue to support the industry with predictable framework conditions in the time to come, says the minister.
After the visit, the minister signaled that he was very impressed with what we achieve and how we work to solve the construction industry's challenges with greenhouse gas emissions. Bjelland Eriksen expressed that it was nice to be at Mapei's facility in Nord-Odal and appreciated the opportunity to discuss the framework conditions for an innovative and sustainable construction industry.
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