MPA calls for fair support for concrete sector

The government’s approach to supporting construction materials is inconsistent and risks undermining the UK’s cement and concrete industries, according to the Mineral Products Association (MPA).

The MPA has criticised the government’s Steel Strategy, currently under consultation, for failing to recognise that the UK cement industry faces similar challenges to the steel sector. It also argues that the government’s support for timber in construction is unjustified, given timber’s environmental and safety concerns.

Dr Diana Casey, MPA executive director for energy and climate change, said: “Cement was recently identified as the UK’s most vulnerable sector to carbon leakage, which effectively shifts emissions to countries with weaker climate policies. We’re not in the same position as steel, yet, but we’re on the same trajectory, with the same uncompetitive industrial energy costs.”

The government’s recently updated Timber in Construction Roadmap highlights timber’s drawbacks, including its combustibility, vulnerability to moisture, and limited environmental data. However, the MPA argues that the government’s support for timber overlooks these issues.

Chris Leese, chair of the MPA executive management committee, said: “Given that the timber roadmap plainly states that timber is combustible and can contribute to the spread of fire, it’s frustrating and perplexing that government seems so keen to support using more of it.”

The MPA is also urging the government to recognise minerals and mineral products as essential to the UK economy in its upcoming Industrial Strategy. The strategy identifies eight key growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and clean energy, both of which rely on mineral products.

Robert McIlveen, MPA senior director for communications and public affairs, said: “Not for the first time, the government appears to be overlooking an essential £22 billion turnover domestic industry that supports 80,000 regional jobs and is foundational to the whole of the UK economy.”

The MPA argues that better government support would help the cement and concrete industries decarbonise and remain competitive with other global producers.