US: Fortera says that its ReAct low-carbon cement product is the first to meet all six ASTM C1157 performance categories simultaneously. Previously, it says, this level of versatility typically required four separate Portland cement formulations. It added that, with one formulation covering all six categories, ReAct reduces procurement complexity and streamlines mix design, enabling contractors to use a single cement instead of multiple cementitious products for different parts of the same project. Independent testing by Construction Testing Services validated the product’s performance across the standard's eight test requirements.

Craig Hargis, Vice President of Products at Fortera, said “This certification confirms that ReAct performs to the industry's established standards.” He added, “For years, lower-carbon options have been seen as a compromise on either performance or cost. ReAct shows that contractors do not have to choose. It meets the strength and durability requirements they expect, avoids a green premium, and fits into the specifications and infrastructure already in use.”

ASTM C1157 is a performance-based standard that evaluates cement on measurable outcomes rather than on its chemical composition. The specification covers factors such as compressive strength, air content, set time, fineness, density, heat of hydration, mortar expansion, and sulphate expansion. ReAct has met the requirements for all six performance categories under the standard: general use, high early strength, moderate sulphate resistance, high sulphate resistance, moderate heat of hydration, and low heat of hydration.

Fortera operates a 15,000t/yr plant in Redding, California. The company uses a technology that captures CO₂ emissions from traditional cement production and converts them into a mineral form for low-carbon cement.

UAE: Holcim UAE has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fakhruddin Properties to jointly advance sustainable construction across the region. The agreement is the first MoU that Holcim has signed with a locally-headquartered building developer. Fakhruddin Properties intends to use sustainable building products to “…reduce both embodied and operational carbon, promote circular economy principles and scale practical sustainability solutions with full transparency.”

Fakhruddin Properties says it pioneered the country’s first in-building waste management system, diverting 90% of waste from landfills and is committed to delivering a ‘wellness-optimised lifestyle’ across its portfolio through the implementation of smart home and air purification technology and other energy-efficient initiatives.

US: Ash Grove Cement and the Nebraska Department of Transportation have tested a  calcined clay blended cement product on a 4km stretch of road in the state. The product, Duracem N, was manufactured at the company’s Louisville Plant. It uses clay sourced locally in the region. The Louisville Plant was reportedly upgraded recently to convert a clinker kiln into a clay calciner. Improvements were also made to the milling process.

Full-scale production of Duracem N will begin early in 2026, with customer deliveries expected in mid-2026. The product has been approved for use by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, with further approvals forthcoming.

India: Wonder Cement has ordered roller mills from Germany-based Gebr. Pfeiffer for use at the cement producer’s new plant in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

An MVR 6000 R-6 mill will be used for raw meal. It will reportedly be one of the largest raw mills in the country. It will have a mill drive power of 6725kW and a capacity of 1000t/hr. It will include an integrated SLS 6000 VR high-performance classifier to meet a product fineness of 2% residue on a 212µm screen.

A MPS 3550 BK vertical roller mill will be used for coal grinding. It will be equipped with a mill drive of 1840kW and a capacity of 65t/hr petcoke or 100t/hr coal.

The project is being carried out in close cooperation between Gebr. Pfeiffer’s subsidiary in India and the company in Germany. The order will include Gebr. Pfeiffer’s 15th mill for Wonder Cement. Installation of the new mills is planned by the end of 2026.

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