In this episode of Game Changers, we track the journey of a desktop experiment that became a global business operating in Europe, Japan, North America and now Australia. Game Changers host Elena Lambros talks with Steve Greig about how OCO Technology captures carbon dioxide and locks it permanently into a lightweight aggregate made from industrial ash (residue that would otherwise go to landfill).

Together, Steve and Elena discuss OCO’s expansion into Australia through a joint venture, and three substantial hurdles the business has to clear: regulation that varies from country to country and state to state, a construction industry accustomed to quarried (not synthetic) materials, and the capital intensity of building new plants.

Steve makes the case for rethinking “additionality” (the test investors apply to show that carbon removal depends on credit revenue) and explains why a fixed window for carbon credits leaves financiers asking what happens afterwards. Elena and Steve also emphasise the value of renewables and education in the race to net zero; they reflect on Morocco’s rapid shift to solar; and they consider how companies should cut internal emissions first and choose high-integrity permanent carbon removals.

To listen to this episode search for “ESG Matters by Ashurst Perkins Coie” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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