Cemex publishes EPDs for UK cement products

Cemex UK have released Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for cement products from its Rugby and Tilbury plants.

The EPDs cover cement delivered in bulk tankers, representing over 80% of the company’s produced cement.

EPDs are documents that provide detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle. They include data on raw materials, energy use, and water consumption during production. These declarations are verified by independent third parties to ensure accuracy and transparency.

Paul Fletcher, head of sustainability for Cemex Europe, explained, “The EPDs give us independent, clear information about our cement’s environmental performance from production to end-of-life. This helps us validate our products and support our goal of achieving net zero emissions.”

Cemex’s CEM II/A-L 52.5N (Cemstone) is a type of Portland composite cement that includes limestone and around 80% clinker. It is used in various concrete applications and is an alternative to traditional Portland cement.

The CEM I 52.5N is a traditional Portland cement with 95% to 100% clinker. It is being gradually replaced by Cemstone due to its lower carbon footprint.

Both types of cement are suitable for making precast and prestressed concrete elements, as well as ready-mixed concrete. Recent updates to the British Standard BS8500 now allow Cemstone to be used with other additives, enabling the production of even lower-carbon concrete. This supports the construction industry’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

Craig Williamson, cement commercial director for the UK, said: “Publishing these EPDs is a significant step in providing our customers with more sustainable cement options and helping them meet their own environmental goals.”

The CEM II A-L (Cemstone) is part of Cemex’s Vertua product range, which includes materials designed to be more sustainable through reduced carbon emissions, use of recycled materials, and improved efficiency. The Vertua range encompasses various products, including cement, readymix concrete, sprayed concrete, and asphalt.

In 2023 Cemex achieved EPDs for products in Croatia and Spain. In a statement, the company said it continues to work towards obtaining EPDs for products across its operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including recent achievements in the UK and Poland.