New York Construction Report staff writer
A pilot program will see the City of Binghamton switch to a sustainable, stronger concrete mix with recycled glass for sidewalk and curb upgrades. The concrete is being manufactured by KLAW Industries.
“Since its founding in 2019, KLAW Industries has made waves across the country with its innovative cement replacement product that’s stronger and better for the environment,” said Mayor Jared M. Kraham.
“By switching to KLAW’s product for municipal curb and sidewalk projects, we’re reducing the City’s carbon footprint and supporting a growing East Side business.”
Founded by graduates of Binghamton High School and Chenango Forks High School, KLAW Industries uses a patent-pending process to turn recycled glass into a high-quality partial replacement for cement in concrete mixes. Cement is the leading contributor to embodied carbon in most concrete.
KLAW’s product, named Pantheon, allows concrete producers to use 20 percent less cement in their mixes, preventing approximately 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide in every truckload.
“These projects are proof of the city’s commitment to supporting local companies and deploying cost-effective, sustainable materials,” said KLAW Industries co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Jacob Kumpon. “This would not be possible without the support of our local businesses, especially Barney & Dickenson, Taylor Garage, and d, who continue to push this innovation forward.”
The city began using KLAW’s product in sidewalk and curb projects this summer. The switch comes at no cost to the City.
KLAW Industries is located in a 6,000-sq. ft. facility at 75 Griswold St. in Binghamton.
Last year, KLAW won the Binghamton Business Plan Competition sponsored by the Binghamton Local Development Corporation (BLDC), SUNY Broome’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) and the Koffman Southern Tier Incubator. The company used the $5,000 cash prize to help scale its process at its new Griswold Street location.
Since then, KLAW has won entrepreneurship competitions across the country, including the MIT Solve Youth Innovation Challenge and the Heartland Competition, which awarded the company $100,000 for first place.
Curb and sidewalk projects will cost Binghamton about $1.7 million this year.
