In 2026, the cement industry shows a clear trend toward technological upgrading and environmental transformation. Producers are actively investing in emission‑reduction technologies, energy‑efficient solutions and equipment modernisation. These developments directly influence cement production strategies, particularly the growing role of low‑clinker systems where GBFS (granulated blast furnace slag) and ACS (air‑cooled slag) remain essential mineral components for reducing CO₂ intensity.
Alpacem invests €30m to reduce emissions at the Anhovo plant
Alpacem, Slovenia’s sole cement producer, has announced a €30 million investment to upgrade emission‑control systems at its Anhovo plant. The project includes:
- regenerative thermal oxidation (RTO) to reduce volatile organic compounds,
- selective catalytic reduction (SCR) to cut NOₓ emissions.
These technologies will enable the plant to comply with updated environmental regulations related to RDF fuel use. After the upgrade, the facility is expected to become one of the most environmentally efficient cement plants in Europe.
Lower emissions and more stable RDF combustion conditions create favourable conditions for expanding the use of low‑clinker cements, where GBFS and ACS provide high strength, durability and significant CO₂ reduction.
Thomas Zement to install a new cement grinding mill at the Karsdorf plant
Thomas Zement has begun construction of a new cement grinding mill at its Karsdorf plant, which has a capacity of 1.4Mt/yr. The new equipment will operate using thermal energy recovered from the clinker cooler, enabling:
- reduced electricity consumption,
- lower CO₂ emissions,
- a reduced clinker factor in cement production.
Reducing the clinker factor is a key pathway for decarbonisation. Here, GBFS and ACS play a strategic role, ensuring stable technical performance while helping producers meet CO₂‑reduction targets without compromising product quality.
The new mill will also increase production flexibility, allowing optimisation of cement formulations with varying levels of clinker substitution using slag‑based materials.
Summary
2026 marks a year of intensified investment in technological upgrades across cement plants.
- Alpacem is implementing high‑efficiency emission‑control systems, supporting broader adoption of low‑clinker cement solutions.
- Thomas Zement is modernising production, reducing energy use and CO₂ intensity, which directly strengthens demand for GBFS and ACS.
The industry is moving toward deep transformation, where modernisation and decarbonisation are becoming core priorities for producers.