Global Cement News

US: Denmark-based life sciences investment company Novo Holdings says that it has invested US$65m in bio-based clinker-free cement producer Biomason. Biomason uses microorganisms to grow its Biocement cement, without heating or CO₂ emissions. The producer is in its Series C round of financing. Novo Holdings previously invested in its Series B financing round.

Japan: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering has won the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s highest prize for contributions to industrial decarbonisation, the Minister’s Award, for its development and commercialisation of its CO₂ capture system. The system is based on KS-21 solvent technology, developed in partnership with Kansai Electric Power, and the company’s Advanced KM CDR Process capture model. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering has successfully supported cement industry customers in implementing the system.

Germany: Australia-based FCT Combustion has successfully delivered a new Turbu-Flex burner to replace the existing burner at HeidelbergCement’s Hanover, Lower Saxony, cement plant. FCT Combustion will also supply burner accessories and add-ons, an igniter, a flame sensor, fans, blowers and spare parts. The project aims to improve combustion control and maximise alternative fuel (AF) use in the plant’s cement production.

Philippines: The Philippines Tariff Commission (TC) has launched an investigation into the possible extension of the safeguard measure against imports of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) Type 1 and blended cement Type 1P. The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines previously filed a petition for the extension. The TC will hold its preliminary conference on the matter on 8 March 2022.

The commission said “Matters for discussion include the timelines, nature of investigation, appearance of counsel and parties, number of witnesses, notification, accessibility of documents and public file, confidentiality of documents, submission of position paper(s) and memoranda, conduct of inspection and verification of data and schedules of public hearings and other activities.”

Belgium: Cemex has joined the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)’s Corporate Leaders Group Europe in order to lead the corporate transition to a climate neutral economy. The company joins a cross-sectoral body of members from across the EU.

Cemex’s Europe, Middle East and Africa regional president Sergio Menendez said “With its Future in Action programme, Cemex is committed to leading on the road to carbon neutrality. We are proud to join forces with the CISL’s Corporate Leaders Group Europe and other global companies to accelerate the decarbonisation of the built environment. We look forward to working together with the Corporate Leaders Group Europe to help us all achieve our shared climate action goals in Europe.”