Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Thin and light-weight masonry veneer provides an economical and versatile alternative to stone or full-depth masonry. The veneers are manufactured from lightweight concrete prepared from a mixture of cement, water, and lightweight aggregates (LWA) like expanded clay aggregates. Vega Stone is a Saskatchewan based company established in 2006. Vega stone specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality stone and brick veneer made for Canadian winters. Vega Stone utilizes a lightweight concrete mixture composed of cement and expanded clay aggregates. The production process of expanded clay is energy and emission intensive which is reflected in the high cost of the expanded clay aggregates. To stay competitive with foreign manufacturers, Vega Stone needs to find innovative ways to improve the quality of their product and stay competitive at the same time. Vega Stone is seeking collaboration with Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Innovative Manufacturing Center to develop a new Eco-friendly and cost-saving lightweight aggregate for their light concrete mixture. The aim of this project is to develop a new lightweight aggregate mixture from waste material that can no longer be recycled or repurposed. The use of waste material in the aggregate mixture will result in 15-20% saving in the veneers production cost. The benefit of the new aggregate material will expand to Canada through emission reduction, diversion of waste from the landfill, as well as the creation of new jobs.