Press Release

1/21/2026

Master Builders Solutions Launches MasterAtlas® R3 Returned Concrete Program

Turning Sustainability into a Competitive Advantage for Concrete Producers

  • Transforms a major industry challenge into a valuable resource by making returned concrete
    reusable while still maintaining its quality.

  • Maximizes operational profitability and efficiency through AI-driven decision-making and real-time
    monitoring.

  • Strengthens sustainability commitments by reducing carbon footprint, saving water and recycling
    materials.


Master Builders Solutions, a global leader in innovative concrete admixtures, today announced the launch of the MasterAtlas R3 Returned Concrete Program. This system, named R3 for Return, Reuse, Recycle, seamlessly combines AI-driven technology, real-time sensor data, and advanced admixture chemistry to enable ready-mix concrete producers to reuse returned concrete cost-effectively, turning wasted material and time into a valuable resource.


Turning Waste Into Wealth


Every year, over 5% of ready-mixed concrete produced in the U.S. is returned to concrete plants as waste, creating a staggering $2 to $4B challenge. The MasterAtlas R3 Program addresses this by integrating truck-mounted sensor data with the MasterAtlas platform, along with stabilizing admixtures, to deliver real-time monitoring of return volume, temperature, precise admixture dosing recommendations, and suggestions for optimal reuse.


“Our vision is to inspire people to build better, and that starts with solving the industry's most expensive challenges,” said Dr. Bruce J. Christensen, President, Master Builders Solutions, U.S. and Canada. “MasterAtlas R3 is a strategic tool that allows ready-mix concrete producers to recover material value from every load, boosting operational profit while meeting the rising demand for circular, sustainable construction solutions.


Technological Integration For Reliable Results


Reusing returned fresh concrete in a new batch is a standardized practice described under the ASTM C1798/C1798M specification. When the appropriate steps are taken, the resulting new load of concrete performs as designed. The barrier to efficient and scalable implementation has always been the multiple and diverse pieces of data and technology that must be brought together.


The MasterAtlas R3 program seamlessly guides decision-making by combining MasterAtlas technology, AI, admixtures, automation, and smart sensor data to enable cost-effective reuse of returned concrete. To ensure concrete remains fresh and compliant with industry standards (i.e. ASTM C1798 and ASTM C494), MasterSet® DELVO admixture is used to stabilize the concrete so that it remains fresh for the next use.


Proven Results for Concrete Producers


Concrete producers who have adopted the program are experiencing measurable success across
three primary areas:

  • Boosted Profitability: Returned concrete is now being reguarly resold, with some customers
    generating over $700,000 in additional profit last year.

  • Reduced Raw Material Dependency: The program promotes cost efficiency by reducing the need
    for virgin aggregates and cement.

  • Lowered Carbon Footprint: Producers are achieving significant sustainability improvements by
    reintegrating returned concrete into new production batches.


“In an industry where margins are tight, we are providing a system that guides decision making automatically through AI and smart data,” said Phil Matisak, Product Manager Sustainability, Master Builders Solutions. “By calculating the precise dose of MasterSet DELVO admixture and identifying optimal reuse locations, we’ve seen producers transform waste into pure profit while saving time, labor, and cost. It is proof that sustainability and profitability are no longer mutually exclusive.”



Enhanced Sustainability


Beyond profitability, the MasterAtlas R3 Program is a key driver for decarbonization. It enables a reduction in cement usage and has been shown to reduce embodied carbon by up to 3,000 metric tons within a one-year timeframe for a typical producer.


The MasterAtlas R3 Returned Concrete Program is available exclusively from Master Builders Solutions for concrete producers across the U.S. The MasterAtlas system can be implemented with minimal disruption to daily ready-mix plant operations.


To learn more about turning waste into wealth, visit: https://master-builders-solutions.com/enus/ masteratlas-r3-returned-concrete-program/


About Master Builders Solutions


Master Builders Solutions is a leading global manufacturer of concrete admixtures, underground construction products, and other innovative solutions for the construction industry. Driven by its vision - Inspiring people to build better - the company provides value-added technologies and market-leading R&D capabilities to enhance the performance of construction materials and reduce CO₂ emissions in concrete production. Founded in 1909, Master Builders Solutions employs ca. 1,900 people and operates 43 production sites worldwide. Master Builders Solutions is committed to supporting customers in overcoming today’s construction challenges – for a decarbonised future. www.master-builders-solutions.com and www.linkedin.com/company/master-builders-solutions-/