Global Concrete News

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.”

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.

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.

Latvia: Heidelberg Materials Latvijas Betons says that it is on schedule to commence operations at its upcoming 20,000m³/yr concrete plant in Bauska on 1 March 2025. Nordic Daily News has reported that the plant will use recirculated water in its production.

US: The city council of Savage, Minnesota, has approved an interim-use permit for River's Edge Concrete’s upcoming ready-mix concrete plant in the city. The company plans to establish a 61,100m³/yr plant in the Prior Lake Aggregates gravel pit. Local press has reported that the interim-use permit will allow it to produce up to 22,900m³/yr of ready-mix concrete at the site.