South Korea: 13 small and medium-sized operators of ready-mix concrete plants in Jeonju, North Jeolla, have announced their intent to procure environmental product declarations (EPDs) for their products. The companies include Daeyeon Concrete and Seoji Ready-mixed Concrete. The Maeil Business Newspaper has reported that construction firm Posco E&C will cover part of the costs of the certifications.

Posco E&C said that this collaboration will help it to ensure a supply of reduced-CO₂ concrete for its upcoming residential property developments in Jeonju.

Canada: The Sarjeant has inaugurated its new Parry Sound ready-mix concrete plant. The plant is intended to help meet growing demand and support the growth of the local construction industry. Local press has reported that the project was partly funded by a US$298,000 grant from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation. In turn, The Sarjeant donated US$37,100 to the Let’s Make a Splash campaign for construction of the upcoming West Parry Sound Recreation and Cultural Centre.

Kenya: The Daily Nation newspaper has reported the value of contracts of various concrete pole suppliers to utilities provider Kenya Power. Bett Company, a subsidiary of China-based Zhai Yan Quan and Yang Yi, holds contracts worth US$1.49m, Line Enterprises holds contracts worth US$1.35m and Rai Cement holds contracts worth US$920,000.

Kenya Power is in the process of expanding its power supply network using concrete poles, with financial backing from the EU, European Investment Bank, French Development Agency and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

US: Authorities have issued a notice of violation to Orgain Ready Mix Concrete for an alleged spillage of concrete into the Red River near its Clarksville, Tennessee, ready-mix concrete plant. Local press has reported that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation received reports of materials dumped at a location along the road from the site. A subsequent investigation found ‘cementitious staining’ and ‘solids-laden discharges’ on the riverbank.