New Zealand: The volume of ready-mix concrete produced in the first three months of 2026 was 869,652m3, a rise of 1.8% year-on-year compared to the same period of 2025. The volume was 1.1% higher than the three months to the end of December 2025.
However, in the 12 months to the end of March 2026, 3.66Mm3 of ready-mixed concrete was produced, a year-on-year fall of 3.8% compared to the year ending 31 March 2025.
Australia: A new civil engineering standard now permits geopolymer and high-supplementary cementitious material concrete in government infrastructure projects for the first time. Sustainable Concrete Group has launched EcoFume, a silica fume replacement made from recycled glass at the company’s facility in Brendale, Queensland, with production capacity of up to 1075t/month. The company said that the product meets ASTM C1240 standards and has been independently validated by the Australian Road Research Board.
It is derived from 100% recycled material and can replace up to 100% of silica fume with a reduced impact on the environment, according to the company’s social media post.
US: Iconic Precast has commissioned a precast concrete plant in DeWitt, Michigan. When operational in May 2026, the plant will produce architectural precast wall panels, structural precast systems, insulated wall panels, custom-engineered solutions and underground utility products. Local press has reported that it will employ 25 people.
UK: North East Derbyshire District Council has received an application from Bear Concrete for approval to build a ready-mix concrete batching plant in the district’s Unstone Industrial Complex. The application seeks to establish a plant with a maximum storage silo height of 9m, to be equipped by aggregate bins, conveyors, a batch cabin, three silos, a mixing unit, water tanks and run-off water recycling for use in batching and dust suppression. Bear Concrete described the site as ‘Relatively remote from residential development.’ Local press has reported that a committee will now determine whether the plans meet national rules within existing industrial use of the site.
A total of 23 formal objections to Bear Concrete’s plans have cited concerns over access via a narrow road and bridge, noise, traffic, flood risks and possible impacts on water and ecosystems.
