The first week of December 2025 highlighted how the European cement and metallurgical industries are striving to balance environmental ambitions with the stability of strategic material supply.
Alpacem invests in alternative raw materials.
On 2 December, Alpacem Cement Austria announced a major project at its Wietersdorf plant (Carinthia), aimed at integrating secondary raw materials into cement production. The initiative is expected to reduce emissions by 51,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually and increase the share of alternative resources to 35%. This directly involves the use of GBFS and ACS, which remain essential for low‑carbon production.
Global Cement
Holcim expands recycling capacity.
On 3 December, Holcim acquired three companies in the UK, Germany, and France specializing in construction waste recycling. The combined capacity of the new assets is 1.3 million tonnes per year. This will scale up the ECOCycle technology and increase the use of GBFS, ACS, and other secondary products, reducing dependence on primary raw materials.
Global Cement
PyroGenesis tests plasma system.
On 4 December, PyroGenesis Inc. signed a €815,000 contract with a European cement producer to test a plasma system in calcination kilns. The technology enables electrification of clinker production and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. It also opens opportunities for wider use of pellets and briquettes (mill scale) as complementary energy sources.
Global Cement
Medcem enters the European market.
On 4 December, Turkish producer Medcem delivered its first cement shipments to new terminals in Antwerp (20,000 tonnes) and Trieste (5,000 tonnes). In 2026, the company plans to export up to 100,000 tonnes to Belgium and 80,000 tonnes to Italy, intensifying competition and creating additional demand for GBFS and ACS as strategic materials.
CemNet