European cement summit to focus on decarbonisation

The European Cement Decarbonisation Summit will take place in Frankfurt on 5–6 November 2025, bringing together leading producers, suppliers and researchers to accelerate CO₂ reduction across the industry.

Organised by ACI Europe, the summit is supported by Heidelberg Materials, Holcim, Schwenk Zement and Cemex, with contributions from technology providers, policymakers and consultants. The main theme is “Accelerating the decarbonisation of the European cement industry through CO₂ reduction technologies, regulatory frameworks and collaborative innovations.”

Key topics on the agenda include:

• Carbon Capture, Utilisation & Storage (CCUS) in cement production.
• Clinker substitution using slag, fly ash, activated clays and recycled materials.
• Alternative fuels and syngas to cut emissions from kiln operations.
• Innovation and digitalisation, including AI, modular methods and 3D printing.
• EU regulatory frameworks such as ETS and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
• Collaboration across cement, steel and energy sectors.

UK expertise will also feature prominently. Jon Flitney, energy and climate change manager at the Mineral Products Association (MPA), will present on CCUS deployment in the UK cement sector. Other UK participants include Breedon Cement, Tarmac, Cemex UK, and the UK CCS Research Centre, while Manchester University’s Lisa Scullion is due to share research on clinker reduction and circular economy approaches.

For the UK concrete sector, the conference is directly relevant. Cement production accounts for around 1.5% of UK CO₂ emissions, and decarbonisation is critical to meeting net zero targets. Moves towards CCUS, low-carbon binders and performance-based specifications will shape the supply of materials for ready-mix, precast and major infrastructure projects.

With clients such as HS2 and National Highways already demanding transparent carbon reporting through Environmental Product Declarations, the summit provides a window into the technologies and policies that will soon influence UK procurement and compliance.

Further details and the full programme are available via the European Cement Decarbonisation Summit.