World: Investment firm Insight Partners has forecast a composite annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3% in the global green cement and concrete market between 2023 and 2030. This will result in a total value of US$990m in 2030, compared to US$806m in 2023. Regionally, the firm expects the sharpest growth in South and Central America, with a CAGR of 10% to US$7.9m in 2030. North America is expected to grow at a rate of 5.4% annually, to US$190m, followed by Europe, at 4.5% to US$226m, Middle East and Africa, at 2.9% to US$13m, and Asia-Pacific, at 1.4% to US$553m. In 2023, Asia-Pacific commanded a 61% share of the global market. Europe’s share was 20% and that of North America was 16%.

Brazil: Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN), Votorantim Cimentos and China-based Huaxin Cement have all submitted ‘virtually’ identical bids for InterCement's assets in Brazil. Valor International News has reported that Huaxin Cement may be the bidder that best 'pleases' InterCement. As a would-be market newcomer, its acquisition of the business would not require investigation by the Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE).

For rival bidder CSN, growth in Brazil would shape its planned initial public offering of its local cement subsidiary CSN Cimentos later in 2024. The group reportedly plans to appoint current CFO Marcelo Ribeiro as CEO of CSN Cimentos.

Greece: Titan’s full-year 2023 report shows a 12% year-on-year rise in its sales to €2.55bn in 2023. Over 90% of sales derived from Europe and the US. Group earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) grew by 63% to €540m, with ‘double-digit’ profitability growth across all markets. Titan’s cement volumes rose by 2% to 17.5Mt in Greece, with 'double digit' growth in Western Europe, 'historically high' volumes in Southeastern Europe and increased demand and export volumes in the Eastern Mediterranean. For 2024, its outlook is positive, due to its increased volumes and prices in the US and Europe, buoyed by scheduled completion of growth projects. In particular, the group noted the strength of the US economy and high anticipated infrastructure spending, population growth and pent-up housing demand there. It expanded two US cement terminals, in Florida and Virginia, in 2023.

Chair Marcel Cobuz said “This year’s remarkable performance showcases our relentless focus on executing our strategy, delivering above-market results while positioning for further growth. In 2023, we have strengthened our presence in our core growth markets, delivered efficiency improvements and broadened our solutions, serving the increased and evolving needs of our customers. As we celebrate these achievements, we continue our digitalisation and decarbonisation journey, building on our Green Growth Strategic Directions and delivering long-term sustainable value to all our stakeholders.”

France: Heidelberg Materials France plans to install a 1Mt/yr carbon capture system at its Airvault cement plant in the New Aquitaine. The Airvault cement plant is undergoing an upgrade, including the replacement of two pre-existing semi-dry lines with a new dry line and pre-calciner. This will reduce the plant’s CO₂ emissions by 30% per tonne, reduce its energy consumption by 10% per tonne, reduce its clinker factor and raise its alternative fuel substitution rate to 90%. CO₂ capture is set to commence in 2030. The project is one of several, under the GOCO₂ carbon capture, storage and utilisation (CCUS) cluster, which also includes installations at Holcim France’s Saint-Pierre-La-Cour plant and Lhoist France’s Réty lime plant.

Chair Dominik von Achten said “We started an ambitious modernisation programme for our sites in France several years ago, with a planned investment of more than €400m. With the integration of AirvaultGOCO₂, we are now adding a cutting-edge project in the field of carbon capture to our previous efforts, which will enable a further, massive reduction of Heidelberg Materials’ carbon footprint in France.”

Chief sustainability officer Nicola Kimm added “Our approach in Airvault is a perfect example of Heidelberg Materials’ strategy to implement dedicated carbon reduction roadmaps. We are taking every possible step to reduce CO₂ emissions: Phasing out fossil fuels, reducing the clinker content of our cements, and improving energy efficiency. To mitigate the remaining residual emissions, we rely on CCUS – as part of an integrated scheme and with our strong partners in GOCO₂.”