Global Concrete News

US: Holcim US has announced the launch of its ECOPact reduced-CO₂ concrete in the Fargo, North Dakota, and Twin Cities, Minnesota, metropolitan areas. ECOPact products offer up to 80% reduced CO₂ emissions compared with ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concretes, and can also integrate construction and demolition waste. Holcim US has sold the ECOPact range in Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington DC since 2020.

Holcim US' North Central regional senior vice president Randy Gaworski said "With countless developments already in the pipeline, and so much on the horizon, engineers, architects and developers are driving demand to integrate sustainable building practices throughout the region. This is an exciting opportunity to offer our customers high-quality, low-carbon products for meeting our shared commitments to sustainability and net-zero construction."

South Korea: Lotte Engineering & Construction and M-Tech have successfully developed a new 90% reduced-CO₂ concrete with 5% cement content. Korea Economic Daily News has reported that the product has the same strength as ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete and has good resistance to salt damage.

India: A team at SRM Institute of Science and Technology has patented a new concrete paving block produced using fibres from waste printed circuit board (WPCB). The refuse-derived material will replace some sand and clay in the concrete mix. SRM Institute of Science and Technology said that India generates 2Mt/yr of electronic waste (e-waste), and additionally imports this type of waste from other countries. Besides being non-biodegradable, WPCB is contaminated with colouring chemicals.

The developers said "The steadily rising volume of electronic waste poses a serious hazard to human health and the environment."

Namibia: Ohorongo Cement Namibia has supplied 3000m³ of cement to the site of NamPower's upcoming Sekelduin power plant in Swakopmund. Ohorongo Cement used 730t of its CEMIR cement, which contains 30% fly ash, combined with an additional 30% fly ash in the concrete mixer. The producer said that the extra ash increases the finished product's density, reducing permeability.

Ohorongo Cement said that the project is 'near completion,' having begun in mid-2021.

Australia: The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has called for public comment on Switzerland-based Sika's proposed acquisition of Germany-based fellow construction chemicals producer MBCC Group. The commission has raised 'preliminary concerns' over the possible competition impacts of Sika obtaining an 80% Australian market share as a result of the deal.

Sika group responded to the ACCC's concerns with an offer of an undertaking to divest MBCC Group's entire Australia and New Zealand business.