India: The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) has published revised guidelines for the siting, operation and environmental compliance of ready-mix concrete plants in Maharashtra. The guidelines supersede all previous directives since 2016. Punepulse News has reported that they are intended to streamline processes and ensure uniform implementation across the state.
Germany/Norway: Heidelberg Materials will supply its EvoBuild 3D printing concrete for use in property developer KrausGruppe’s DreiHaus residential construction project in Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg. PERI 3D Construction and Korte-Hoffmann Gebäudedruck will execute the project, which consists of three three-storey tower blocks.
Heidelberg Materials says that it will supply a concrete blend featuring its EvoZero carbon-captured cement for the third tower block, the first application of the product in Germany. Subsidiary Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe produces EvoZero cement at its net-zero Brevik cement plant in Norway.
Germany: Switzerland-based Holcim has concluded a deal to acquire Xella for €1.85bn. Xella produces Hebel and Ytong autoclaved aerated concrete products and Silka calcium silicate, among other building products. Holcim anticipates earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) synergies of €60m within three years of the acquisition.
Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic said "This strategic acquisition is a milestone in our vision to be the leading partner for sustainable construction, accelerating Holcim's Building Solutions in line with our NextGen Growth 2030 strategy. Xella will add to our customer offering in the highly attractive €12bn+ walling market, with cross-selling and systems-selling opportunities."
Australia: Boral has applied to extend its Montrose quarry in Victoria. The Star Mail newspaper reported that the company proposes to expand the quarry’s extraction area by 12.5ha, allowing access to a further 20Mt of additional materials, equivalent to 30 years’ supply for Boral’s local operations.
