Canada: Lakeshore Concrete is constructing a new premixed concrete plant in Essex County, set to create 30 to 35 jobs and begin operations in early 2025. The new premixed plant in Amherstburg aims to improve product consistency and reduce carbon emissions, distinguishing it from the typical dry mix plants found throughout Ontario and North America, according to John Vanderwerf, co-owner of Lakeshore Concrete. This plant, along with existing facilities in Tecumseh and Leamington, will allow the company to produce about 200m3/hr of concrete. Vanderwerf is awaiting final calculations on environmental benefits, including reductions in carbon emissions achieved by using electric motors for mixing concrete instead of diesel-powered truck drums.

Vanderwerf said "With the new employment coming and the growing population, we feel there's reason to be optimistic about this area and that's why we're investing now."

Germany: Cemex has acquired a majority stake in the Berlin-based recycling company RC-Baustoffe to enhance its circularity business Regenera. The company processes construction, demolition and excavation materials. The acquisition integrates RC-Baustoffe with Regenera, allowing the facility to process up to 400,000t/yr, which will be turned into repurposed aggregates for concrete production.

CEO of Cemex, Fernando González, said “With acquisitions such as this, Cemex continues to strengthen its commitment to circularity through Regenera as well as promoting the world’s transition to a more circular economy. Construction and demolition materials account for more than 30% of global ‘waste’ streams and reintegrating these materials into the construction value chain can reduce the use of virgin raw materials."

Saudi Arabia: SCG International's subsidiary CPAC has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Samsung E&A to develop and commercialise 3D printing and special cementitious materials for the construction industry.

The partnership aims to improve construction efficiency, accuracy and sustainability through 3D printing technologies, utilising Samsung E&A’s expertise in construction solutions and CPAC’s cement and concrete technology. It will also focus on research and development for material science and machinery and will include knowledge exchange initiatives to advance the application of 3D printing in construction.

Samsung E&A will provide its 3D printing mortar, while CPAC will contribute engineering support and architectural services for projects in Saudi Arabia. SCG International will oversee the supply chain, ensuring the delivery of 350t of cement.

Ireland: New regulations effective from 1 September 2024 require all state-funded building projects in Ireland - including roads, schools, and hospitals - to use low-carbon concrete. The directive prohibits the use of CEM I cement, mandating a minimum of 30% replacement of clinker with low-carbon alternatives for public projects.