Togo: Cimtogo, the Togo-based subsidiary of the Heidelberg Materials, has launched Ecocim, an ‘environmentally-friendly cement’ that replaces its Super Rapide product while boasting a reduced CO₂ footprint. The low-clinker blend emits 467kg of CO₂/t, down by 4% from 485kg/t, with similar strength and technical performance. The company says that this reduction will represent a significant reduction in emissions if the product is used at scale.

The Ecocim product is also the first in Togo to meet the country’s new TGN 002 standard. "Ecocim embodies Cimtogo's commitment to supporting the evolution of the construction sector and promoting more responsible solutions," explained Cimtogo’s managing director Ebenezer Anim Somuah.

Austria: Wietersdorfer Gruppe recorded sales of €1.09bn in 2025, down by 1% year-on-year. Europe contributed 76% of sales, led by Austria with €167m (15%), Italy with €147m (14%), Germany with €143m (13%) and Slovenia with €137m (13%). The group noted local sales growth of 38% in Italy, following its acquisition of the Fanna cement plant, and of 60% in Spain, following successful expansion of its water infrastructure business. Wietersdorfer Gruppe employed 3783 people worldwide in 2025, including 748 in Austria.

The producer invested €106m worldwide in 2025, including €20.7m (20%) in Austria and €13.3m (13%) in its home state of Carinthia. Sustainability-based projects accounted for €14.8 (14%) of investments. At its Wietersdorf cement plant in Carinthia the group invested €3m in new cement and concrete silo construction.

Chief Financial Officer Hannes Gailer said "international project markets were shaped more strongly by public investment cycles and price and currency fluctuations" in 2025 than in previous years.

The group forecast a ‘challenging environment’ continuing into the second half of 2026 due to macroeconomic cost pressures, high energy prices and trade uncertainty.

CEO Michael Junghans said "For 2026, we remain deliberately cautious in our planning."

Venezuela: Mexico-based Cemex has joined humanitarian relief efforts following the double earthquake that recently struck several cities along Venezuela’s Caribbean coast by forming an extraordinary partnership with the airline Viva Aerobus.

The two companies joined forces to send an aircraft to Caracas from Felipe Ángeles International Airport. The plane transported 140 rescue workers from 16 specialised organisations, such as the Rotary Brigade and an urban search and rescue team, as well as nine canine search and rescue teams, in addition to medical supplies, medications, essential items, and technical equipment for urban search and rescue operations.

Notable items included thermal imaging cameras, explosimeters and gas detectors, drones, radio and communication equipment, generators and hydraulic rescue equipment. The shipment also included floodlights, tents, extension cords, shovels and other supplies.

Japan: Sumitomo Corporation has agreed to transfer a 70% stake in its cement trading arm, SC Cement, to Sumitomo Osaka Cement. Sumitomo Corporation will retain the remaining 30% of SC Cement. Sumitomo Corporation expects to complete the transfer on 1 October 2026. Following the transfer, SC Cement will appoint its current president, Junji Kitao, as chair, and Takayuki Hisamitsu, currently Senior Managing Director at construction products trading company Sumice Kenzai, as president. Sumitomo Corporation intends the transfer to combine Sumitomo Osaka Cement's technological capabilities and business foundation with SC Cement's nationwide distribution network.

SC Cement distributes cement and related products and operates eight ready-mixed concrete plants across Japan.