Estonia: The Estonian Competition Authority has granted permission to Schwenk Eesti to gain a majority stake in ready-mix concrete producer Betoonimeister. Baltic Business Daily News has reported that Betoonimeister's six ready-mix concrete batching plants are located in Tallinn, Tartu, Johvi, Tapa and Parnu.
Cemex launches bio-based admixtures
World: Cemex has announced the launch of new bio-based admixtures which offer CO2 emissions reductions of up to 70% compared to oil-based admixtures in its Asian, European and Middle Eastern markets. The range includes 10% reduced-CO2 IsoPlast Bio, 20 - 30% reduced-CO2 IsoFlex Bio plasticisers and superplasticisers and 50% reduced-CO2 IsoFlow Bio high-performance superplasticiser technology, as well as CO2-reducing IsoMill Bio grinding aids. The products will subsequently become available in other markets during 2023.
CEO Fernando González said “Innovation is at the core of our efforts to become a carbon neutral company and foster a more circular building materials industry." He added "Innovative admixtures aim to enhance concrete's sustainable attributes for our customers further.”
Lafarge Canada and TransAlta to collaborate on fly ash processing
Canada: Lafarge Canada has signed an agreement with power provider TransAlta to recover and process fly ash from the site of the latter's decommissioned Edmonton coal-fired power plant. The project will use Ash-TEK's Ponded Ash Beneficiation System (PABS) fly ash beneficiation technology. The processed ash will then be able to replace up to 25% of cement in low-CO2 concrete production.
TransAlta previously secured with Lafarge Canada for the supply of renewable power to its Exshaw, Alberta, cement plant in February 2022.
First Graphene signs joint development agreement with Suvo Strategic Minerals
Australia: First Graphene has partnered with Suvo Strategic Minerals to develop graphene-enhanced metakaolin for use in cement and concrete production. Metakaolin is a pozzolanic material derived from kaolinite clay. The partners believe that the technology has commercial potential to improve concrete performance and reduce CO2 emissions.
