US: Eagle Materials has outlined its climate change mitigation successes in its 2023 Sustainability Report. During 2023, the company increased its production of blended cement products, including Portland Limestone Cement (PLC). It commenced a major CO2 reduction study with the US Department of Energy, and established a Greenhouse Gas Reduction Team to explore new clean technologies. Eagle Materials says that it is currently working to increase the use of alternative fuels at three of its cement plants.

UK: The Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has launched the 3rd Innovandi Open Challenge 2024, with a focus on the deployment of carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) for the decarbonisation of cement and concrete. Possible fields of study include process-integrated and end-of-pipe capture. The 1st Innovandi Open Challenge 2024 previously focused on CCUS, and has now produced two projects at pilot stage.

Cement, innovation and environmental, social and governance (ESG) director Claude Loréa said "Our industry is committed to achieving net zero and the development of carbon capture technology is a key part of that work. Our world-leading Innovandi Open Challenge programme has already seen remarkable progress in just two years, with start-ups and our member companies working together. We're looking forward to seeing what this year's applicants can bring, to build on the extensive work that is already underway across the world."

US: Vulcan Materials raised its sales by 6.4% year-on-year in 2023, from US$7.32bn to US$7.78bn. Its adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 24% to US$2bn, while its profit grew by 25% to US$1.95bn. Vulcan Materials’ full-year concrete volumes dropped, during which time it also divested some concrete operations. Altogether, the producer plans to invest US$625 – 675m in maintenance and growth projects in 2024.

Chair and CEO Tom Hill said "We carry momentum into 2024, and our focus is the same - compounding unit margins through all parts of the cycle and creating value for our shareholders through improving returns on capital."

India: Germany-based ThyssenKrupp has agreed to sell its 55% stake in ThyssenKrupp Industries India to local joint venture partners. VCCircle News has reported that the move is part of on-going strategic cost-saving measures. The supplier expects to complete the sale in mid-late 2024. As a result, its total global employees will drop by over 2300. Protos Engineering and Paharpur Cooling Towers will reportedly acquire the stake. The companies hold existing stakes of 16% and 11% respectively.