The Portland Cement Association (PCA) is growing its membership.
An organisation for US cement manufacturers that focuses on sustainability and safety, the PCA hopes to tackle industry-wide challenges and drive sustainability initiatives.
Cement is the most widely used substance on Earth, after water, and is responsible for around 8% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The cement industry is one of the most polluting manufacturing sectors. In numbers, if the cement industry were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of CO2 in the world, after the US and China.
An opportunity that several companies are exploring to reduce the carbon intensity of cement is by injecting CO2 into it during mixing, where the CO2 then becomes chemically converted into a mineral.
Even if the concrete is later demolished, the CO2 won’t return to the atmosphere. It is thought that the mineralisation also increases the concrete’s compressive strength, enabling concrete producers to optimise cement content and reduce carbon emissions with no impact on the product.
Looking to make the cement market a carbon-neutral industry by 2050, in 2021, the PCA launched its Roadmap to Carbon Neutrality. This marked what is believed to be the first time the sector has come together for a unified approach towards decarbonisation.
The roadmap also sets milestone for 2030 and 2040.
Mike Ireland, President and CEO of PCA, said he is thrilled to have Carbon Upcycling join as a member, given its shared commitment to sustainability.
“The company’s efforts are helping the cement industry increase circularity and advance the industry’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality.”
Carbon Upcycling is currently developing a commercial carbon capture and utilisation system at Canada’s largest cement plant with Ash Grove, a CRH company focused on the cement industry.
In July 2024, Carbon Upcycling was awarded a B Corporation certificate by the B Lab. The B Corp certification acknowledges Carbon Upcycling’s approach to corporate responsibility.
Speaking on the company’s PCA partnership and its sustainability efforts, Apoorv Sinha, CEO of Carbon Upcycling, said, “The most effective and credible pathway to decarbonising the cement industry is through strategic partnerships and collaboration with long-time industry leaders in the infrastructure sector.”
“Joining the PCA underscores our commitment to advance sustainable practices and substantially reduce carbon emissions. We look forward to forging a low-carbon, resilient future with our fellow members.”
