Premium cement brand, Semen Merah Putih, is exploring the use of microalgae to reduce its carbon footprint while creating more efficient and environmentally friendly building materials.

Head of Marketing at PT Cemindo Gemilang, producer of Semen Merah Putih, Nyiayu Chairunnikma, said innovation is essential for the construction industry to embrace sustainability.

“Semen Merah Putih remains committed to exploring new ways to promote sustainability and ensure environmentally responsible development,” Chairunnikma said as quoted in a statement on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Research from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) shows that microalgae naturally absorbs carbon dioxide and can produce biomass at a rate 50 times higher than typical terrestrial plants. Echoing these findings, Chairunnikma cited that these microscopic organisms have significant potential in supporting sustainability efforts.

Microalgae can absorb 10–50 times more CO₂than an average tree and can also be processed into alternative raw materials for multiple industries, including food, energy, and eco-friendly construction. Although not a direct construction material, their role in sustainability is crucial.

“Microalgae can absorb 10–20 times more CO₂ than trees, with a growth cycle of just four weeks − much shorter than waiting for a tree to mature. This makes them a rapid solution for cutting emissions from industrial activities, including construction,” Chairunnikma noted.

She emphasized that for Semen Merah Putih, adopting environmentally friendly alternatives like microalgae is part of the company’s broader commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.