In November 2025, Europe’s cement industry demonstrated significant steps toward sustainable development. The focus was placed on the use of Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS), the introduction of pellets and briquettes from mill scale, and discussions around EU decarbonisation policies.
Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS)
In the United Kingdom, Cemex UK and Sika UK confirmed their participation in a project involving graphene-enhanced cement, where GBFS became a key component of a low-carbon mixture. This initiative shows how European producers are integrating slag into low-carbon technologies and seeking new ways to reduce the carbon footprint in construction (Global Slag, 14 November 2025).
Pellets and Briquettes (mill scale)
In November 2025, the World Cement Association (WCA) warned that European policies could triple cement prices. This situation encourages producers to search for alternative solutions, including the use of pellets and briquettes made from production residues. These technologies help reduce raw material costs, cut emissions, and embed the principles of the circular economy into industrial processes (CemNet, 11 November 2025).
European Context
The European industry faces a dual challenge: reducing CO₂ emissions while maintaining global competitiveness. The use of GBFS in cement and the adoption of pellets and briquettes from mill scale are not only technological solutions but also economic strategies.
Conclusion
Europe’s cement industry confirms that:
- GBFS is a key material for low-carbon technologies
- Pellets and briquettes are becoming essential tools of the circular economy
- EU policies stimulate innovation and reshape the cement and construction markets
These trends show that the future of the industry lies in combining innovation with sustainability — relevant both for professionals and society at large.