Recent developments in Sweden, the UK and Ireland show that the cement sector is rapidly moving toward low‑carbon technologies, where ACS (air‑cooled slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) are becoming increasingly important components. New investments, plant upgrades and strategic conferences are creating favourable conditions for expanding their use in cement production.
EUROSLAG Conference begins in Sweden — a key platform for advancing ACS and GBFS
The EUROSLAG 2025 conference has opened in Sweden, serving as Europe’s main forum dedicated to the sustainable use of metallurgical slags.
This year’s programme focuses on:
- expanding the use of GBFS in low‑carbon cements,
- improving the performance of ACS in road and infrastructure applications,
- harmonising EU standards for slag‑based materials.
The conference confirms that GBFS remains Europe’s most widely used SCM, while ACS continues to play a key role in low‑carbon concrete and road construction.
Holcim UK starts operations at the modernised Tilbury plant — new capacity for GBFS‑based cements
Holcim UK has officially started operations at its upgraded Tilbury plant, specialising in low‑carbon cements and binders.
The facility includes equipment for blending and activating secondary materials, including GBFS, enabling Holcim to:
- increase the share of slag‑based cements in its UK portfolio,
- reduce clinker dependency,
- ensure stable supply of low‑carbon products to the British market.
Tilbury is becoming one of Holcim’s key hubs for GBFS‑focused cement production in the UK.
Mannok Cement upgrades kiln system — preparing for higher SCM use, including GBFS
Mannok Cement has installed a new kiln hood and ABC cooler inlet, improving thermal efficiency and overall kiln stability.
This upgrade directly supports the company’s ability to:
- reduce clinker content,
- increase the use of SCMs such as GBFS,
- improve energy efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.
Greater process stability enables Mannok to expand production of low‑clinker cements, where GBFS is a core component.
Conclusions
- EUROSLAG 2025 reinforces the strategic importance of ACS and GBFS in Europe’s decarbonisation pathway.
- Holcim UK is expanding production of GBFS‑rich cements, strengthening the low‑carbon materials market.
- Mannok Cement’s kiln upgrades create the technical foundation for greater GBFS and SCM utilisation.
- Together, these developments show that ACS and GBFS are becoming the backbone of Europe’s low‑carbon cement model.