Carbon capture is being deployed at cement plants to tackle process emissions that account for much of cement’s contribution to roughly 8% of global CO₂ output, targeting the calcination step where limestone is converted to clinker. Projects are trialling post‑combustion capture on kiln exhausts, oxy‑fuel combustion to produce CO₂‑rich flue gas, and integration with storage or utilisation routes such as mineralisation in aggregates. For designers and contractors, this enables lower‑embodied‑carbon concrete without major changes to mix design, but raises questions on plant energy demand, capture rates and long‑term storage liability.

Building materials group Breedon reported first-half revenues of £857.9m, with volumes in Great Britain continuing to decline while its newly established US business delivered what it called a “strong start”. The company, a major supplier of aggregates, asphalt and ready-mixed concrete to UK infrastructure and housing schemes, is seeing weaker demand in British construction markets despite ongoing road and civils work. For contractors and material specifiers, this points to tighter domestic supply dynamics and a growing shift in Breedon’s capital and production focus towards North America.

Fischer has launched FBS 4 and FBS 5 concrete screws for electrical and HVAC fixings in concrete and dense masonry, with fire resistance rated up to R120 and expansion-free undercut anchorage allowing small edge distances and close spacing. Serrated thread geometry cuts rapidly into the substrate for faster installation with cordless impact drivers, while two anchorage depths let installers adjust for differing load demands and to bridge plaster layers. The zinc-plated range spans five variants, including FBS 5 US with hex head and washer, FBS 5 M6 threaded stud, and a dedicated FBS 4 cable clip screw.