Finland: Precast producer Elematic and carbon utilisation and storage company Carbonaide have launched the world’s first production-scale CO₂ curing system for precast concrete. The automated system mineralises CO₂ into Elematic’s concrete wall and circulation products at atmospheric pressure. This halves net CO₂ emissions as a baseline, and can achieve carbon negativity in combination with alternative raw materials.
UK: The Mineral Products Association (MPA) has recorded a 6% year-on-year fall in UK ready-mix concrete sales in the first quarter of 2025, down to their lowest quarterly level in 60 years. Sales of aggregates and mortars rose by 1% and 4% respectively, up for a fourth consecutive quarter.
Homebuilding is in ‘slow recovery,’ despite high mortgage rates and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, infrastructure activity remains ‘uneven,’ with on-going major projects partly offsetting decreased roadbuilding. The MPA noted the additional threat of global trade disruptions, as the UK and US prepare to announce a trade deal expected to circumvent some of the 10% tariffs enacted by the US government against UK goods, including mineral products, in April 2025.
MPA executive chair Chris Leese said: "Without a clear commitment to supporting UK industry through competitive energy costs, better planning and a public procurement policy that prioritises domestically-produced mineral products like cement and concrete, the risk is that essential capacity will be lost."
Canada: Local authorities have granted initial approval to Clark Brothers Contracting for the construction of a new ready-mix concrete plant in Arthur, Ontario. Elora Fergus Today News has reported that the project now requires certification from the Ready-Mix Concrete Association of Ontario and environmental clearance from the government.
US: MAG Capital Partners subsidiary Superior Concrete Products has acquired precast concrete wall forming systems producer Advanced Forming Technologies (AFTEC).
MAG Capital Partners Principal Dax Mitchell said "The acquisition of AFTEC expands Superior Concrete Products' offerings and its geographic reach to meet increasing demand from data centre, infrastructure and new construction developments.”
