Bringing on the substitutes
As part of its drive to reduce its CO2 emissions, Votorantim Cimentos is using a range of clinker substitutes to lower its clinker-to-cement ratio. As a result, around 86 per cent of its product portfolio in Brazil has a reduced carbon footprint, lowering its impact on the environment. By Silvia R S S Vieira, Votorantim Cimentos, Brazil.
The use of substitute materials such as acidic slags (pictured: maganese slag)
and calcined clay is key to reducing a cement plant’s carbon footprint
Cement is an essential material in improving people’s living conditions, as it is used in concrete that provides shelter and infrastructure for water supply, sanitation, transport, energy and communication. Because concrete is durable, very cost effective and easy to handle, there is no other construction material able to replace it in most of these applications.
