France: Climate protest group Earth Uprising says that it will target sites belonging to Holcim subsidiary Lafarge France for demonstrations as part of planned actions between 9 and 12 December 2023. Ouest France News has reported that the demonstrations will include a ‘festive but determined’ gathering at Lafarge France’s Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou concrete plant in Maine-et-Loire on 10 December 2023.

Lafarge France said “The people who intend to respond to this call for mobilisation against our sites have the wrong target. Of all industrial sectors, ours is moving the fastest and strongest in favour of the climate.” It added “Moreover, we are useful to society. The country's needs for housing, public facilities and infrastructure are immense, and concrete represents the best solution to meet them.”

UAE: Cemex introduced its prototype 100% electric concrete mixer truck at the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai on 6 December 2023. The cement and concrete producer said that the prototype can transport a full load of concrete and complete a working day on a single charge. It is fitted with a 350kw battery.

Ireland/UK: UK-based construction chemicals company Oscrete has raised its stake in its Northern Ireland-based distributor, Adcrete, to 90%. The group says that this will enlarge its customer base across Ireland in line with its 2024 strategic growth plan.

Director Scott Wilson said “The strengthened Oscrete business model and presence in Ireland will ensure the team has the infrastructure and the expertise to become the leading supplier of concrete admixtures and additives in the country.” He added “Our growth and turnover in Ireland has increased by 200% in the last four years and this growth serves to support the wider business operations.”

France: Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies signed a partnership agreement with ready-mix concrete producer CRBPE, Dow Jones Institutional News has reported. Under the contract, Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies will supply its clinker-free cement to CRBPE’s four batching plants in eastern France.

Hoffmann Green Cement Technologies co-founders Julien Blanchard and David Hoffmann said "This new commercial partnership with CRBPE, a family-owned company that shares our ambitions to decarbonise the construction sector, strengthens our position in the ready-mix concrete market. It is also a fantastic opportunity to increase our presence in the eastern area of France and expand our territorial coverage."