The European market for cement and blast furnace slag continues to undergo active transformation driven by environmental requirements, regulatory changes and strategic decisions by leading producers. As demand for low‑carbon materials grows, companies are increasing investments in slag‑processing technologies, particularly granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and air‑cooled blast furnace slag (ACS), while also intensifying dialogue with EU regulators.
Cementir Holding reports growth and expands its low‑carbon portfolio
Cementir Holding has published its 2025 financial results, confirming revenue growth and an increased share of low‑carbon cements in its product portfolio. The company highlights that demand for GBFS‑based cements in Europe continues to rise, and slag materials are becoming a central element of its decarbonisation strategy.
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Cementir is investing in production modernisation and the expansion of slag‑processing technologies, helping reduce the carbon footprint and strengthen its position in the sustainable construction materials market. GBFS remains a key component in producing low‑clinker cements that meet EU CO₂‑reduction requirements.
Ecocem and over 100 companies call on the EU to reform the EU ETS
Ecocem, together with more than 100 European companies, has signed an open letter to the European Commission calling for a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The letter stresses that the current system creates barriers to the adoption of low‑carbon technologies and slows the development of alternative cement materials, including those based on GBFS.
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The companies urge the EU to ensure fair conditions for innovative materials that can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. ACS and GBFS are highlighted as essential components of low‑carbon cements capable of reducing clinker dependency and accelerating decarbonisation.
European demand for ACS and GBFS continues to strengthen
Analysts note that demand for ACS and GBFS in Europe is rising due to:
- the shift toward low‑clinker cement;
- modernisation of blast furnaces;
- stricter environmental regulations;
- expansion of infrastructure projects.
Slag‑based materials remain one of the most effective tools for decarbonising the cement industry, and the actions of Cementir and Ecocem confirm their strategic importance for the future of the market.