US: A joint study by the University of Colorado Boulder and Pennsylvania State University has demonstrated a lack of ‘granularity’ to regional benchmarks for the use of reduced-CO₂ concrete, while recognising the benchmarks as a ‘promising starting point.’ The team found that regional global warming potential (GWP) targets may be less attainable outside of metropolitan areas. The researchers noted that two cities – Los Angeles and New York – hold 41% of concrete environmental product disclosures (EPDs). In addition to a lack of access to concrete with EPDs, builders outside of the country’s cities face an increased burden of emissions due to transport.

UAE: MIG Holding has inaugurated its 700,000t/yr Jebel Ali precast concrete plant in Dubai, in collaboration with National Industries Park. Trade Arabia News has reported that the plant will help to accelerate development initiatives under the UAE’s Operation 300Bn industrial strategy.

Finland: Betolar has analysed ash from utilities provider Alva’s power plants in Finland using its AI-driven SidePrime software to map its potential for use as a binder to replace cement in concrete production.

Betolar said that it sees potential for future integration of Alva’s ash into its material network.

UK: A&L McCrae has commissioned its second ready-mix concrete batching plant at Barrachander quarry in Argyll, Scotland. West Coast Today News has reported that the producer already operates five aggregates sites. It employs 21 people in its ready-mix concrete business, and is seeking to hire 15 more.

A&L McCrae says that its next move will be to establish a third ready-mix concrete plant at Achnaba quarry in Lochgilphead.