Cemtech Europe 2026, held in Paris on 8-9 October, showed how cement producers are prioritising competitiveness over volume growth as EU demand stays weak. Key levers include lower clinker factors, higher alternative fuel use, and plant modernisation. France Ciment reported a 14% cut in the average carbon footprint of French cement between 2014 and 2025, while Limak cut carbon intensity by 14% since 2023 and used 500,000t less clinker for the same output. Carbon capture is advancing but depends on transport, storage, financing, and demand. Holcim postponed its GO4ZERO decision at Obourg because CO2 infrastructure is delayed, and Vicat is planning the Rhone Decarbonation network to link cement plants to existing pipelines. With CBAM shifting import competitiveness and an expected SCM supply gap of 25-30Mt by 2035, the industry's next phase hinges on standards, logistics, and supportive policy, not just capture technology.
