Cement News tagged under: North America

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EPA recognises ENERGY STAR cement plants

20 March 2024, Published under Cement News

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognised 103 manufacturing plants that earned the agency’s ENERGY STAR certification in 2023, an accolade reserved for manufacturing plants in the top 25 per cent in terms of energy efficiency in their sector. Of the 11 cement plants receiving this year's accolade, Ash Grove ’s Seattle plant was recognised for its efforts to save energy by increasing the amount of limestone in its Portland limestone cement. Meanwhile, GCC ’s Rapid Ci...

PyroGenesis signs contract for plasma torch project

18 March 2024, Published under Cement News

Canada-based PyroGenesis, a specialist in advanced plasma processes, has signed a contract with a US structural materials company to design and build a system tailored for laboratory-scale cement production applications. The system will include a plasma torch, a refractory furnace, and the required gas, power, and cooling components and peripherals. The system was contracted to provide the client with the increased power and heat levels required for advanced cement development and testing, ...

Furno Brick's 'mini kiln' enables compact, scalable cement production

14 March 2024, Published under Cement News

US-based Furno, a start-up aiming to mitigate climate change through its novel combustion technology, has launched its end-to-end cement production unit, the Furno Brick. According to the company, the Furno Brick is the world’s first modular and carbon-neutral cement plant that scales in demand, dramatically reducing the barrier to entry and unlocking local or small-scale cement production.  Furno’s novel kiln and combustion technology allows for efficient cement production using gas-base...

Holcim North America introduces ECOAsh beneficiated ash

13 March 2024, Published under Cement News

Holcim North America has announced the introduction of ECOAsh beneficiated ash within its Lafarge Western Canada operations. According to Holcim, with plans for future expansion into the US, this strategic move not only demonstrates Holcim North America's dedication to sustainability but also positions the company as an early adopter of innovative technology aimed at decarbonising the construction industry ECOAsh embodies a circular and innovative solution, representing a significant l...

Breedon enters US with BMC Enterprises acquisition

07 March 2024, Published under Cement News

Breedon Group has announced its acquisition of BMC Enterprises Inc (BMC) for US$300m, marking the group’s entry into the US. BMC is a supplier of ready-mixed concrete, aggregates and building products, headquartered in St Louis, Missouri. The deal gives Breedon the opportunity to launch a scalable third platform. "This transaction will give us a platform that is well-placed to grow in the highly-fragmented US construction market, is culturally aligned with Breedon and has a familiar pe...

Breedon posts record revenue in 2023

06 March 2024, Published under Cement News

Breedon Group has announced record revenue of GBP1487.5m (US$1893.5m) in 2023, up seven per cent from the GBP1396.3m seen in the previous year. EBIT over the same period declined two per cent from GBP148m to GBP145.7m, while profit before tax slipped one per cent from GBP135.8m to GBP134.4m. According to the company, the record revenue was due to improved pricing, which offset a two per cent reduction in volumes, reflecting the challenging macroeconomic conditions.  In terms of volumes,...

US and Puerto Rico cement consumption slips in 2023

05 March 2024, Published under Cement News

Total US and Puerto Rican shipments of Portland and blended cement, including imports, remained stable at 7.1 per cent in December 2023, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). Of total blended tonnage reported 3.7Mt, or 98 per cent, was estimated to be Portland limestone cement (Type IL). Texas, Florida, California, Georgia and North Carolina were the leading consuming states, accounting for 42.9 per cent of December shipments. The leading producing states for Portland and blended c...

PCA to file lawsuit against EPA on emissions standard

01 March 2024, Published under Cement News

The US Portland Cement Association (PCA) is joining a coalition of associations in filing a lawsuit against the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regarding the Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 emissions standard. On 7 February 2024, the EPA issued its Final Reconsideration on the Particulate Matter National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), opting to lower the primary annual health-based standard for PM2.5 from its current level of 12µg/m 3 to 9µg/m 3 .  According to the EPA, the ...

Alaskan port sees cement shipments jump by a third

27 February 2024, Published under Cement News

Alaska’s Don Young Port saw cement shipments increase by around one-third in 2023, compared to the previous year. The port handled almost 155,000t of cement last year, accounting for about 80 per cent of the cement used in Alaska. According to Anchorage Daily News, this marks the highest volume of cement shipped across the port since at least 2007. If the last 12 months are anything to go by, 2024 should bode well for Alaska’s construction industry. Four vessels carrying cement usuall...

Lafarge Canada accelerates EPD certification

23 February 2024, Published under Cement News

Lafarge Canada  ( Holcim ) has accelerated enhanced Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) certifying of OneCem ®  GUL Cement and NewCem ® Slag Cement at its western Canada operations. OneCem ® General Use Limestone (GUL, Type IL) Cement is manufactured at the Richmond Cement plant , while NewCem ® Slag Cement is manufactured at the Seattle Cement plant .   Both products offer the same strength, durability, and flexibility as regular cement with significantly reduced carbon emiss...