Leading cement manufacturers have announced new investments in production modernisation and technological upgrades aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and improving efficiency. Recent projects by Holcim and Heidelberg Materials highlight a consistent shift towards solutions that lower the clinker factor and expand the use of alternative mineral components.
Holcim expands its portfolio of building modernisation solutions
Holcim has announced the acquisition of Fermacell, a producer of gypsum fibreboards and cement‑bonded boards. The transaction strengthens the company’s position in lightweight construction and energy‑efficient building systems. These applications increasingly rely on activated mineral component systems (ACS), which help optimise strength and structural stability without increasing the clinker content.
Holcim launches calcined clay production in Čížkovice
Holcim has commissioned a new calcined clay production line in Čížkovice (Czech Republic) with a capacity of 580,000 t/yr. The material will be used in ECOPlanet low‑carbon cements, enabling significant CO₂ reductions. Calcined clay combines effectively with other mineral components, including ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS), allowing producers to develop modern cement systems for infrastructure and industrial applications.
Heidelberg Materials starts up new kiln at Airvault
Heidelberg Materials has produced the first cement from the new kiln at its Airvault plant in France. The €350 million investment focuses on upgrading production processes and preparing the facility for large‑scale low‑carbon cement output. The modernised equipment improves the use of alternative mineral additions, including slag‑based materials, which have become standard in lower‑carbon cement production.
Conclusions
The announced projects confirm a stable trend: cement producers are systematically adopting technologies that maintain product performance while reducing clinker content. In this context, GBFS and ACS play an important role as natural components of the sector’s technological transition. The market for low‑carbon materials continues to expand, and investments by Holcim and Heidelberg Materials show that combined mineral systems are becoming the new technological standard in cement production.