US: Researchers at Princeton University have developed cementitious composites with 17-times greater toughness and 19-times greater ductility than ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The materials are laser-processed into a grooved structure and laminated with elastomeric polyvinyl siloxane interlayers. The design is inspired by the nacre inner lining of seashells, also known as mother-of-pearl. This results in the toughening mechanisms of interlayer deformation, tortuous crack propagation and crack bridging. The composites have fracture toughness of 73.7MPa.mm^1/2, without any reduction in strength compared to OPC.

Türkiye: OYAK Çimento held a graduation ceremony for the first cohort of engineers to complete its CemStart Engineer Development Programme at the end of September 2025. The six-month programme trains new engineering graduates for careers in cement through plant and project placements.

Switzerland: Measurements specialist ABB has published a new study about industrial downtime. The company, together with Sapio Research, surveyed 3600 senior decision-makers across various industries, including cement. The study showed that 44% of leaders experience equipment-related interruptions at least monthly and 14% at least weekly. Of those experiencing weekly interruptions, just 20% have a proactive modernisation strategy. A majority of respondents estimate the cost of these interruptions at US$10,000 – US$500,000/hr; 7% believe it is higher. 67% have upgraded their motors or drives in the past two years, and 55% plan to do so. Cost remains the top barrier to modernisation for 28% of industrial players.

ABB Motion Services Modernisation Programme Head Oswald Deuchar said "Unplanned downtime is costing industry up to half a million US Dollars per hour – yet one in three businesses hasn't modernised their motor-driven systems in the last two years. That's more than a missed opportunity, it's a silent crisis. Our research shows that those who shift from reactive firefighting to forward-looking life-cycle strategies experience fewer failures and greater resilience. A key challenge, though, remains in justifying the up-front investment.”

India: Aditya Birla Group subsidiary UltraTech Cement’s revenues grew by 21% year-on-year to US$2.33bn in the second quarter of the 2026 financial year. ET Now News has reported that the producer’s profit was US$148m, up by 75% year-on-year. During the quarter, UltraTech Cement’s costs rose by US$2.28/t, contributing towards a 45% quarter-on-quarter drop in its net profit.

In the 2026 financial year to-date, UltraTech Cement acquired a 76% stake in fellow producer The India Cements and acquired putty producer Birla White Wallcare outright.