Gabon: Ciments d'Afrique (CIMAF) has launched a 32.5 grade of cement intended for masonry work. Local dignitaries, including government minister Pascal Houangni Ambourouet, Owendo mayor Jeanne Mbagou and Moroccan ambassador Abdellah Sbihi, attended the launch event, according to the Gabon Review. The subsidiary of Morocco based CIMAF already sells a 42.5 grade product on the local market for larger structures.

EU: The Concrete Initiative (TCI) has announced its official partnership with European Green Deal-driven sustainable construction initiative New European Bauhaus (NEB). The partnership’s first undertaking will be to draft a concrete sector manifesto around the NEB objectives of beauty, sustainability and affordability.

The TCI said, “We look forward to working together with the construction value chain and citizens living in the built environment to rethink the way we live and connect people through beautiful, green, innovative and inclusive design.”

India: LafargeHoclim subsidiary Ambuja Cement has launched Ambuja Cool Walls, a product consisting of its aerated pre-cast concrete blocks. The producer says that Cool Walls have improved strength compared to walls made of brick. They also increase buildings’ insulation, according to the producer.

Bangladesh: MI Cement, also known as Crown Cement, has revived plans worth US$90m to add a sixth production line at its cement grinding plant in Munshiganj. The upgrade will bring the unit’s production capacity to 19,280t/day from 11,000t/day. The initiative was originally announced in early 2019.