Market Consolidation, Waste Heat Recovery, & AFR Expansion Take Center Stage

This week’s edition of AFR Insider breaks down the most critical shifts, from UltraTech’s potential HeidelbergCement India acquisition to waste-to-energy infrastructure scaling up in Tegallega, along with advancements in low-carbon cement technology and regulatory challenges impacting RDF use.

The cement industry faces a wave of strategic consolidations, energy efficiency investments, and alternative fuel expansions. Major players are reshaping the global market through acquisitions and sustainability commitments, while waste heat recovery (WHR) and AFR continue to gain traction in response to high energy costs and emissions targets.

Key Themes in This Edition

Market Consolidation Accelerates: Mergers Reshape Market Control

Cement industry consolidation is intensifying as major firms expand their footprint through acquisitions and strategic mergers.

Top news

Alpacem completes acquisition of Fanna cement plant, expanding its footprint and production capacity. Read More​

JK Lakshmi Cement reports Q3 profit and announces strategic mergers, reflecting financial growth and sustainability. Read More​

Summit Materials secures approval for Quikrete merger, enhancing market presence in North America. Read More

Ramco Cements announces ₹12 billion capex plan for FY26, with a focus on WHR and AFR integration. Read More​

Takeaway: The consolidation trend signals increased competition, market control, and investment in efficiency.

Waste Heat Recovery Becomes a Core Investment Strategy

As fuel costs remain high and emissions regulations tighten, cement producers are accelerating investments in waste heat recovery (WHR) to optimize energy use and reduce costs.

Global WHR market projected to grow at a 7.4% CAGR, driven by cement, steel, and chemical industries. Read More​

Votorantim Cimentos achieves an 'A' score for climate action from CDP, emphasizing its commitment to WHR and sustainability. Read More​

Takeaway: WHR investments are becoming essential for energy efficiency and cost control.

Alternative Fuels & AFR Infrastructure Expansion

AFR adoption continues to grow worldwide, with new waste-to-fuel projects and regulatory challenges shaping its trajectory.

Tegallega TPST has expanded its waste-to-fuel facility, processing 25 tons of waste per day for AFR use in cement kilns. Read More​

ADOCEM raised concerns over RDF regulatory reforms, warning that new restrictions could impact cement producers relying on waste-derived fuels. Read More​

➡ Takeaway: Despite regulatory hurdles, AFR adoption remains a critical strategy for cement companies navigating rising fuel costs and emissions reduction mandates.

Low-Carbon Cement & Material Innovations Gain Traction

The push for low-carbon cement continues, with companies exploring new materials and carbon capture technologies.

Researchers introduced a rapid method to assess metakaolin quality for use as a low-carbon cement binder, improving clinker replacement efficiency. Read More

Carbon capture technologies are advancing, with new strategies for integrating CO₂ utilization into cement production. Read More

Takeaway: Innovations in low-carbon cement production and material optimization are expanding, setting the stage for a new wave of decarbonization strategies.

Recap: Key Industry Shifts & Takeaways

• Industry consolidation is gaining momentum, with UltraTech, Alpacem, and JK Lakshmi Cement expanding market control.

• Waste heat recovery is becoming an investment priority, as cement producers seek to lower energy costs and improve efficiency.

• AFR adoption continues despite regulatory hurdles, as cement companies scale up waste-to-energy projects.

• Material innovation is advancing, with new low-carbon cement additives, clinker substitutes, and carbon capture integration.

What to Watch in the Coming Weeks

• Will UltraTech’s HeidelbergCement acquisition move forward?

• How will WHR investments impact cement production costs in 2025?

• Will RDF regulation changes disrupt AFR expansion?

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