The industrial materials sector is undergoing a large‑scale transformation aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions, modernising production and shifting toward low‑carbon materials. New CO₂‑capture technologies, market changes and rising demand for alternative binders confirm that ACS (air‑cooled slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) are becoming key components in decarbonisation strategies.
CI4C Pure Oxyfuel carbon‑capture unit inaugurated in Mergelstetten
CI4C GmbH & Co. KG has officially launched the world’s first semi‑industrial CO₂‑capture unit based on Pure Oxyfuel technology developed by thyssenkrupp Polysius. The €120m+ project was completed without public funding, with participation from Buzzi/Dyckerhoff, Heidelberg Materials, Schwenk Zement and Vicat.
The installation can capture up to 95% of CO₂, including process emissions — one of the highest rates globally. This level of decarbonisation enables large‑scale production of low‑clinker cements, where GBFS plays a central role as the main SCM, and ACS serves as a durable material for road and infrastructure applications.
Swiss cement deliveries increase in Q2 2026
Cemsuisse reports a 0.95% increase in cement deliveries in Q2 2026, reaching 1.003Mt. For the first half of the year, deliveries totalled 1.798Mt, up 0.7% compared to 2025.
The key trend is the dominance of low‑clinker cements CEM II and CEM III, which now account for 98.7% of the market. This confirms a systemic shift toward cements with high GBFS content — the backbone of CEM III. In road construction and major infrastructure projects, the use of ACS is also increasing, complementing slag‑based solutions.
Hoffmann Green Materials sells 40,000t of cement in H1 2026
Hoffmann Green Materials reports record sales of 40,000t, a 104% increase compared to H1 2025. The company specialises in 0%‑clinker cements produced via cold manufacturing and aims to reach 100,000t by the end of 2026.
Although Hoffmann Green’s products contain no clinker, their rapid market expansion reinforces the broader trend: rising demand for low‑carbon SCMs, among which GBFS remains the most scalable and stable material in Europe. In the road‑building segment, demand for ACS remains strong, used alongside new clinker‑free technologies.
Summary
- CO₂‑capture technologies, electrification and clinker‑free solutions are shaping a new industrial reality.
- GBFS continues to strengthen its position as the key SCM in low‑carbon CEM II/CEM III cements.
- ACS remains essential for road and infrastructure projects.
- The market shows a systemic shift toward products with minimal or zero clinker content.