Germany: Cemex Zement has unveiled a fully electric zero-emissions concrete mixer truck, the first in the industry. Sweden-based Volvo supplied the truck, an FMX model.
Mexico-based Cemex said that it is working to discover, pilot and scale technologies for emissions-free transport in the construction industry through its partnership with Volvo.
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."
