Lithuania: Researchers at the Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Kaunas have developed circular geopolymer mortars for fire-resistant applications using materials sourced as refuse from various industrial processes in place of cement. These included metakaolin, sourced from discarded raw kaolin from glass production; ceramic materials and corundum, used in abrasive and high-temperature manufacturing. Researchers found that ceramic materials and corundum produced mortars with the highest strength after exposure to 800°C heat, up to 53MPa, and only limited microcracking. This makes the mortars better-suited to use for passive fire protection in boilers, chimneys and reactors than conventional cement-based mortars. KTU now plans to file a patent application, with a view to advancing to real-world adoption.

The team has previously investigated the use of various circular alternative raw materials as feedstocks, including phosphogypsum and reeds.

UK: Cemex UK has commissioned a new plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, to produce sprayed concrete and dry mortars. The plant deploys a drying process developed to lower required temperatures in production. The plant will enable Cemex UK’s Mortars division to grow its share in the South East and South West England markets, according to the producer.

Azerbaijan: Concrete production fell by 0.8% year-on-year to 2.18Mt in the first half of 2026, according to data published by the State Statistics Committee. Production of precast concrete building structures also fell, by 17% to 37,400m³, Trend News Agency has reported.

Australia: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has conditionally approved Heidelberg Materials Australia Holdings' acquisition of Maas Group Holdings' building materials business. Heidelberg Materials Australia must now divest assets to address competition concerns in New South Wales and Queensland. The company says that it is seeking buyers for the Bass Point and North Wollongong ready-mix concrete plants in New South Wales and the Blackwater ready-mix concrete plant and Yalkara quarry in Biloela, both in Queensland.

SMB Tech News has reported that this decision is the ACCC's first under a new national merger control regime, since it took effect on 1 January 2026.