Global Cement News

Japan: Taiheiyo Cement has released its interim carbon neutral goals to 2030. The group intends to reduce its CO₂ emission intensity across the entire supply chain by 20% or more compared to 2000. Total domestic CO₂ emissions should be decreased by at least 40% compared to 2000. The company intends to invest US$820m towards these goals. Ultimately the cement producer wants to become carbon neutral by 2050.

Russia: Switzerland-based Holcim has announced its upcoming exit from the Russian cement market in line with its corporate value ‘to operate in the most responsible manner.’ The Global Cement Directory 2022 records a total of four Holcim cement plants in the country, commanding a capacity of 9.2Mt/yr.

Holcim’s board of directors thanked all employees currently mobilising to provide shelter, essential goods and medical supplies and other support to Ukrainians.

The group had previously suspended new capital investments into the market on 15 March 2022.

Italy: Buzzi Unicem’s earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 1.8% year-on-year in 2021 to Euro795m. Despite this, its net profit for the year declined by 3.2% year-on-year to Euro542m.

In 2022, Buzzi Unicem forecasts a 10% full-year EBITDA decline due to the impacts of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

India: Shree Cement has commenced commercial production of clinker with the newly commissioned Kiln 3 of its Raipur cement plant in Chhattisgarh. The kiln has a production capacity of 4Mt/yr.

US: The California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) has approved the use of Portland limestone cement (PLC) in its projects. The California Nevada Cement Association (CNCA) says that the move has the potential to eliminate 25,500t/yr of CO₂ emissions.

The CNCA plans to achieve cement and concrete carbon neutrality by 2045 through three priority actions. These are investment in promising and critical long-term technologies (crucially carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies), increased alternative fuel (AF) substitution and the acceptance of PLC for CalTrans projects. Thus, the latest CalTrans decision marks the establishment of one pillar of the CNCA’s ambitious plan for net zero.