The review of Global FutureCem 2026, held on 21–22 January in Munich, highlighted the major trends shaping the future of Europe’s cement industry. The event brought together leading cement producers, technology suppliers, researchers and decarbonisation experts, who presented the latest solutions in low‑carbon materials and production optimisation.
GlobalCement – FutureCem 2026
A central theme of the conference was the role of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and air‑cooled blast furnace slag (ACS) as key components for reducing clinker content in cement. Speakers emphasised that these materials remain among the most effective SCMs (Supplementary Cementitious Materials), capable of delivering significant CO₂ reductions without compromising strength or durability. At the same time, concerns are growing across Europe regarding the shortage of slag‑based raw materials, driven by the decline of blast furnace operations in the region. This trend is putting additional pressure on logistics chains and encouraging the search for alternative supply routes.
Another major focus was the development of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies. Several companies presented pilot projects demonstrating the feasibility of integrating CCUS into existing cement plants. Although the technology remains capital‑intensive, experts stressed that it will be essential for meeting the EU’s 2040 climate targets.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence also featured prominently. Solutions showcased at the event included optimisation of slag cement grinding, energy consumption forecasting, automated quality control and real‑time process modelling. According to participants, digital tools will help producers reduce energy costs and improve product consistency amid fluctuating raw material availability.
The conference also highlighted growing interest in alternative binders, including alkali‑activated systems and new types of low‑carbon cements. While industrial deployment remains limited, FutureCem 2026 demonstrated that innovation in this field is accelerating.
Conclusion:
FutureCem 2026 confirmed that Europe’s cement industry is entering a phase of deep transformation. The shortage of GBFS and ACS, the rise of CCUS, digitalisation and new binder technologies are reshaping the competitive landscape, making innovation the key to long‑term resilience and market leadership.