Ecocem concludes long-term agreement with OBM Moerdijk

Ecocem Benelux significantly expands production and storage capacity of low CO2 ACT cement

A month after obtaining the European approval (ETA) on their ACT cement, Ecocem Benelux takes an important next big step. In the Port of Moerdijk, Ecocem enters into a lease agreement with Overslagbedrijf Moerdijk (OBM) that will greatly expand Ecocem's production and storage capacity with immediate effect. According to Paul Roos, Managing Director of Ecocem Benelux, the deal with OBM accelerates the decarbonization of the cement industry. "It brings the 2026 commercial market introduction of ACT, our low-emission cement, much closer."

The expansion of Ecocem Benelux in Moerdijk consists of three huge concrete silos with a total capacity of over 30,000 tons. It means a substantial expansion of the production capacity of the Moerdijk plant and a quadrupling of Ecocem's storage capacity.

Strategic pillars

By leasing rather than building the silos, Ecocem saves both money and time. Increasing capacity in Moerdijk is part of a series of expansions Ecocem has planned for its plants in Europe. It fits exactly into the course Ecocem has set, explains Paul Roos. "Our strategy consists of two pillars. On the one hand, we want to accelerate the production of ACT on the basis of licenses and partnerships with interested parties worldwide and, on the other hand, we are increasing the capacity of all our factories in Europe and adapting them so that by 2026 we will be able to market ACT independently.

The conclusion of the contract in Moerdijk comes a month after Ecocem received a European Technical Assessment (ETA) from European authorities for its ACT cement, which emits up to seventy percent less CO2. The ETA - the basis for CE marking - is an important step for the company as it allows it to offer ACT cement within the entire European market. ACT uses a number of patented technological innovations to make a low-emission cement based on raw materials that are widely available worldwide.

Netzero

In fact, cement has a global carbon footprint of 8%, which is more than the pollution from airplanes, cargo ships and trucks combined. ACT cement offers a CO2 reduction of 70% compared to traditional cements while being stronger and more durable. In addition, ACT production requires nearly 50% less water and 30% less energy. Ecocem stresses the importance of this development for the cement and concrete industry, as it paves the way for a reduction in emissions that does meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The European Commission wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990. With a combination of ACT technology to reduce CO2 emissions and CO2 capture for the remaining emissions, a "netzero" ambition for the cement industry is within reach. The expansion of Ecocem at Moerdijk secures and accelerates that process.