Indonesia: Precast concrete producer PT Wijaya Karya Beton has planted 1800 mangrove seedlings around Pari Island in the Special Capital Region of Jakarta. The reafforestation initiative forms part of a collaboration between local authorities, non-governmental organisations and communities.
Newcastle University team develops plastic-based mortar
UK: Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new mortar using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from plastic bottles and silica aerogel. The team says that the mortar conforms to construction standards 413-1:2011, ASTM C270-10, and AS 1012/AS 3700. They added that it additionally reduces heat loss in the spaces between blocks or bricks by 55%.
Team leader Lidija Šiller said “For the next step, we wish to find collaborators such as a construction company to apply for funding and build the house with our ‘recipe’ for mortar. This will allow us to provide the direct evidence of potential energy savings and assess the economics for masonry buildings applications.”
Kerala tax authorities uncover US$1.15m tax evasion in ready-mix concrete sector
India: The Kerala state government’s Goods and Services Tax Department has uncovered alleged tax evasion in the state’s ready-mix concrete sector worth US$1.15m. The Hindu newspaper has reported that authorities raided 49 locations and discovered total hidden transactions worth US$6.46m.
Fletcher Building publishes first-half 2025 financial year results
New Zealand: Fletcher Building has reported its financial results for the first half of its 2025 financial year, which began on 1 July 2024. The group recorded sales of US$2.05bn, down by 7% year-on-year from US$2.21bn, and negative earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) at a loss of US$14.9m. It previously recorded a positive EBIT of US$44.1m in the corresponding first half of its 2024 financial year.
Fletcher Building’s Concrete division’s sales fell by 5% to US$307m and its EBIT fell by 30% to US$28.1m. The division’s capital expenditure targeted ‘asset renewal, quarry extensions and key in-flight initiatives,’ including the commissioning of Firth Industries’ new Auckland ready-mix concrete plant. Firth Industries underwent an overall ‘continued reduction’ in production and truck resources, in line with a reduction in its volumes.
