Lafarge Cement takes Phoenix across the UK

Lafarge Cement takes Phoenix across the UK
07 January 2009


Lafarge Cement’s pioneering Phoenix cement is to be established as a nationwide brand, following investment in an additional four production sites at Theale, Thurrock, Seaham and Aberthaw.

Phoenix, the leading UK Portland fly ash cement, has been available from selected Lafarge Cement Works for several years, but the extended manufacture and distribution network will make this sustainable cement available to customers across the UK from February 2009.

Phoenix is the principal sustainable cement in Lafarge Cement’s bulk portfolio – offering end users a material which has a lower embodied CO2 value than standard Portland cements.  The decision to take the product nationwide comes as part of Lafarge Cement’s drive to support those across the construction industry in their use of more sustainable products, providing cost-effective solutions which respond to customer demand for greener building materials.  As part of the Lafarge Group, the company is committed to cutting its CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2010 (based on 1990 levels) and the evolution of products such as Phoenix will help to ensure that this target is met.

Javed Sethi, Head of Marketing for Lafarge Cement UK, explains: “We have long championed the case for more sustainable building materials – and want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to select products which meet their own environmental targets.  Lafarge has witnessed a year-on-year increase in demand for more sustainable products like Phoenix, and we are dedicated to meeting this – and to encouraging other producers to do the same.  Phoenix is a factory-produced Portland fly ash cement.  Fly ash is a by-product of the energy industry and its use results in lower CO2 emissions during production of Phoenix, as well as consuming material that might otherwise go to landfill.  This significantly reduces the product’s environmental impact.”

He continues: “We receive requests for Phoenix from a range of sources – not least from contractors working on sustainable developments themselves.  In the last year we have provided Phoenix for the construction of what will become the largest onshore windfarm in Europe, in itself a contributor to sustainable energy production. The interest in sourcing greener building products for all projects will undoubtedly increase, and with our new Phoenix production facilities, will enable Lafarge Cement UK to play a leading role in meeting projected levels of demand from across the UK.”
Published under Cement News