Global Cement News

Global: Ministers from Canada and the UAE have established priority actions to decarbonise the global sector. The announcement follows the initiative's launch at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in December 2023.

The plan outlines sector-specific actions across themes such as education, innovation and environmental coordination. These efforts aim to make ‘near-carbon neutral’ cement production the preferred option globally by 2030.

In addition, the government of Canada and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) have announced a new partnership aimed at accelerating decarbonisation in Thailand’s cement and concrete sectors. The collaboration was unveiled in conjunction with the CEO Gathering and Leaders Conference in Bangkok, hosted by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA). The partnership will provide technical assistance and investment support to develop policies, a regulatory framework and a national net-zero roadmap.

Taiwan: Taiwan Cement recorded a net income of US$60.8m in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 39% rise from the same period last year, despite a 2.9% decline in revenue to US$790m. The company's profit margin increased to 7.7% from 5.4% in the first quarter of 2023, attributed to reduced expenses.

India: UltraTech Cement has conserved 105m³ of water in the 2024 financial year, achieving a status of five times water positive. The company's water management strategy includes the installation of rainwater harvesting systems and zero liquid discharge plants at several manufacturing units to enable 100% reuse of treated water.

Saudi Arabia: Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies has initiated construction of H-KSA 1, its first production unit in Saudi Arabia, located at Rabigh. The foundation stone was laid following a licensing agreement with Shurfah Group, which includes building four Hoffmann units under an exclusive 22-year deal. These units will use Hoffmann's clinker-free cement, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives. Completion is anticipated by end of 2025.

Co-founders Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann said "We are delighted to participate in the decarbonisation of the Saudi construction sector by building several of our units on their territory and marketing our 0% cement clinker."

New Zealand: Golden Bay, New Zealand's sole cement producer and a division of Fletcher Building, is advancing its sustainability goals at its Portland plant near Whangārei. The plant has been incorporating old tyres and treated timber in its production process since 2021, with the Ministry for Environment helping fund US$10m of the US$15.5m to upgrade the plant for the project. The plant uses tyres to replace 55-60% of the coal required, and plans to eliminate coal use by 2030. The facility has increased its use of recycled tyres from 15,000t to 30,000t/yr and is aiming for 40,000t/yr. The government’s Tyrewise programme supports tyre recycling, with the plant also investing in an on-site shredder. Upcoming projects include substituting coal with non-recyclable materials like old carpets and plastics, targeting a 30% reduction in emissions. Construction has already started on the project and it is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, according to the New Zealand Herald.

Manufacturing manager Kelly Stevens said, "We’re diverting 100,000t/yr of waste that would’ve gone to landfill.”