The global construction materials sector continues moving toward deep decarbonisation. New financial results, regulatory challenges and political initiatives are shaping an environment in which ACS (air‑cooled slag) and GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) are becoming essential materials for reducing clinker content and enabling low‑carbon product development.
Wietersdorfer Gruppe reports 2025 financial results
Wietersdorfer Gruppe reported revenue growth to €2.2bn in 2025, a 7% increase compared to 2024. The company highlights stable demand for construction materials and expanding investments in decarbonisation. Its priorities include production modernisation and increasing the share of low‑carbon materials, including GBFS, which remains a key component of low‑clinker products. In road and infrastructure applications, the company is also expanding the use of ACS.
Heidelberg Materials faces challenges under new German law related to its Central Java project
A new German law on corporate environmental and social responsibility is creating legal complications for Heidelberg Materials regarding its plant and quarry project in Central Java, Indonesia. The company states that the project complies with international standards, but the law requires additional assessments and due‑diligence procedures.
As part of its decarbonisation strategy, Heidelberg Materials continues developing products with high GBFS content, significantly reducing carbon intensity. In regional infrastructure projects, the company also uses ACS as a durable material for road bases.
Mineral Products Association calls on the UK government to support the domestic construction materials industry
The MPA has urged the UK government to provide political and financial support for the sector, including investments in decarbonisation, CCS and production modernisation. The association emphasises that achieving national climate goals requires stable conditions for developing low‑carbon products.
The document highlights the importance of GBFS as a primary SCM, enabling substantial clinker reduction. It also notes that ACS plays a key role in road construction and can be scaled within the national decarbonisation strategy.
Summary
- All three developments show a clear shift toward technologies that strengthen the role of ACS and GBFS.
- GBFS continues to solidify its position as the most scalable SCM for low‑clinker products.
- ACS remains essential in road and infrastructure applications.
- Financial trends, regulatory changes and policy initiatives confirm that the transition to low‑clinker materials is becoming a strategic priority.