Introduction — Concrete and Cement Market DACH 2026

The concrete and cement market in the DACH region is undergoing technological and regulatory transformation in 2026, characterized by tightened CO₂ reduction targets, modified standards, and industrial decarbonization initiatives. With annual cement consumption of approximately 35 million tons in Germany, 5.5 million tons in Austria, and 4.8 million tons in Switzerland, the cement industry remains a key sector for the construction industry — and simultaneously responsible for approximately 6-8% of regional CO₂ emissions.

The European standard EN 197 has regulated cement classification for decades, but was expanded in 2024/2025 by EN 197-5 and EN 197-6 to normatively capture clinker-lean and alternative binder systems. In parallel, the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has tightened import conditions for cement from third countries since January 2026 and accelerates the transition to CO₂-optimized products in the internal market.

Technically, three development lines dominate 2026: first, increased substitution of Portland cement clinker through blast furnace slag, fly ash, calcined clays, and other latent-hydraulic materials; second, the introduction of industrial Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) systems at cement plants with capture rates up to 50%; third, the increasing use of recycled concrete according to DIN 4226-101 and SIA 2030, which incorporates up to 45 percent by volume of recycled aggregate.

This article analyzes current cement classes CEM I through CEM VI, the strategies of leading manufacturers Heidelberg Materials, Holcim, Cemex, SCHWENK, and Lafarge for CO₂ reduction, the normative framework conditions for recycled concrete, and market and price developments 2024-2026. All information is based on technical data sheets, DIN/EN standards, and published Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) from manufacturers.

Cement Classes according to EN 197: CEM I to CEM VI

The EN 197 standards family defines composition, strength classes, and early strength development of normal cements. The classic EN 197-1:2011 included 27 cement types in five main categories (CEM I to CEM V); with the introduction of EN 197-5:2024 and EN 197-6:2024, CEM VI (composite cements with limestone-containing additions) and CEM II/C types (with up to 50% clinker substitution) were added.

CEM I — Portland Cement

CEM I contains at least 95 percent by mass Portland cement clinker and a maximum of 5% minor constituents. The clinker is produced by firing limestone and clay at 1450°C, forming calcium silicates (alite C₃S, belite C₂S). The CO₂ balance is typically 820-920 kg CO₂/t cement, of which approximately 60% results from calcination (CaCO₃ → CaO + CO₂) and 40% from fuel use. Strength classes: 32.5 N/R, 42.5 N/R, 52.5 N/R (N = normal strength, R = rapid strength). Application: reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, high-strength structural concrete C30/37 to C50/60.

CEM II — Portland Composite Cement

CEM II permits 6-35% clinker replacement by one main constituent (CEM II/A: 6-20%, CEM II/B: 21-35%), such as blast furnace slag (S), fly ash (V), silica fume (D), calcined clay (Q), or limestone (L/LL). Since EN 197-5:2024, CEM II/C with 36-50% substitution was introduced, enabling CO₂ savings of 25-40% compared to CEM I (550-650 kg CO₂/t). Example CEM II/B-M (S-LL) 42.5 R: 65-79% clinker, 21-35% blast furnace slag and limestone. These cements achieve comparable 28-day strengths as CEM I with moderate early strength development.

CEM III — Blast Furnace Cement

CEM III/A (36-65% blast furnace slag), CEM III/B (66-80%), and CEM III/C (81-95%) utilize latent-hydraulic granulated blast furnace slag as the main constituent. The CO₂ balance decreases to 350-500 kg CO₂/t for CEM III/B. Hydration occurs slower than with CEM I, but results in higher final strength and sulfate resistance. Typical application: water engineering, foundations, industrial floors. Availability limited by declining blast furnace slag production in Europe (reduction approximately 15% since 2020).

CEM IV — Pozzolanic Cement

CEM IV/A (36-55% pozzolana) and CEM IV/B (56-70%) with natural pozzolanas (P) or fly ash (V). Rarely used in the DACH region due to limited fly ash availability (coal power plant phase-out in Germany until 2038). CO₂ balance: 480-600 kg CO₂/t. Alternative: Calcined clays (metakaolin) according to EN 197-5 Annex A, but higher costs (85-120 EUR/t).

CEM V — Composite Cement

CEM V/A (40-64% blast furnace slag + fly ash) and CEM V/B (65-89%). Combination of latent-hydraulic and pozzolanic materials. Low heat of hydration, high durability. CO₂ balance: 380-480 kg CO₂/t. Application: mass concrete, foundation engineering, geothermal drilling.

CEM VI — Sustainable Composite Cements

Standardized since EN 197-6:2024. CEM VI types contain 40-60% clinker, limestone up to 25%, calcined clays up to 15%, and other SCMs (Supplementary Cementitious Materials). Target strength 32.5 N to 42.5 N. CO₂ reduction: 30-45% versus CEM I. Heidelberg Materials and Holcim launched their first CEM VI products in 2025 (EvoZero, ECOPact) with declared values around 450-520 kg CO₂/t.

Top Manufacturers DACH: Heidelberg Materials, Holcim, Cemex, SCHWENK, Lafarge

The DACH cement market is highly concentrated. The five leading companies control over 75% of installed clinker capacity and operate the most advanced decarbonization projects in the region.

Heidelberg Materials (formerly HeidelbergCement)

Market leader in Germany with 8 cement plants (Geseke, Burglengenfeld, Lengfurt, Ennigerloh, among others), annual cement production approximately 9 million tons. Roadmap: Reduction to 400 kg CO₂/t cement by 2030 (specific net scope-1 emissions). Pilot plant Brevik (Norway): World's first CCS plant with 50% CO₂ capture since 2024, expansion to German sites planned from 2027. Product portfolio 2026: EvoZero CEM II/C-M (LL-S) with 480 kg CO₂/t, EvoZero Ultra CEM VI with 420 kg CO₂/t. Use of calcined clays (metakaolin) in test production Ennigerloh since Q1 2026.

Holcim Switzerland/Germany

Following merger with Lafarge in 2015: Plants Siggenthal (CH), Untervaz (CH), Dotternhausen (DE), Höver (DE). Annual DACH capacity approximately 6.5 million tons. ECOPact series: ECOPact Zero (< 300 kg CO₂/t concrete, not cement) through combination CEM III/B + carbonation curing. Cement product ECOPlanet CEM II/C-M (S-LL) 42.5 R: 520 kg CO₂/t according to EPD 2025. Investment of CHF 120 million in Oxyfuel-CCS retrofit Siggenthal until 2028.

Cemex Germany

Plants Rüdersdorf, Kollenbach, Bernburg. Production approximately 3.2 million tons cement/year. Vertere program: Co-processing of alternative fuels (waste tires, sewage sludge) with thermal substitution rate 82% (as of 2025). Cement Vertua Ultra CEM II/B-M (V-LL) 42.5 N: 580 kg CO₂/t. No CCS projects announced, focus on fuel switching and clinker substitution.

SCHWENK Zement

Family-owned company, plants Allmendingen, Mergelstetten, Karlstadt. Annual production 4.5 million tons. Pioneer in carbon concrete research (C³ project TU Dresden). TerraFirma CEM II/A-LL 42.5 R: 680 kg CO₂/t. SCHWENK SustainCrete CEM II/C-M (S-LL): 540 kg CO₂/t. Pilot plant Allmendingen for biogenic fuels (wood chips A4) since 2024.

Lafarge Austria (Holcim Group)

Plants Mannersdorf, Retznei. Capacity 2.5 million tons/year. Product Susteno CEM II/B-M (S-LL) 42.5 N: 560 kg CO₂/t. Cooperation with OMV for CO₂ capture and methanol synthesis (Carbon2Product), commissioning 2027.

Other relevant actors: Rohrdorfer Zement (Bavaria/Upper Austria), Wopfinger Transportbeton (Austria), Vigier Beton (Switzerland). Importers of Chinese/Turkish cements are losing market share since CBAM introduction in 2026 (price disadvantage EUR 18-25/t due to CO₂ border adjustment).

CO₂ Reduction: Clinker-Composite Cements, CCS, Fuel Substitution

Decarbonization of cement production requires parallel measures along four technical paths: clinker substitution, alternative fuels, carbon capture, and innovative binders.

Clinker Substitution through SCMs

Substitution of Portland cement clinker directly reduces process-related CO₂ emissions. Available SCMs (Supplementary Cementitious Materials) in the DACH region 2026:

  • Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS): Availability declining (3.2 million tons/year DACH, -12% versus 2020) due to blast furnace shutdowns (Duisburg, Linz). Reactivity (basicity) 0.9-1.2, latent-hydraulic. Use limited to CEM III/B maximum 80%.
  • Fly Ash (FA): Availability critical (0.8 million tons/year, -40% since 2020). Quality variable, heavy metal content (As, Cr) limits use. Imported ash from Poland/Czech Republic expensive (85-95 EUR/t ex works).
  • Calcined Clays (Metakaolin): High pozzolanic reactivity, firing temperature 750-850°C (versus 1450°C clinker). Availability increasing through new calcination plants (Schwenk Allmendingen, Holcim Dotternhausen). Costs EUR 110-140/t. CO₂ advantage: -65% versus clinker at same binder content.
  • Limestone Powder (LL): Inert, filler effect + nucleation. Content up to 25% in CEM VI. No hydraulic activity, therefore combined with reactive SCMs.

Technical challenge: Composite cements with >40% substitution show reduced early strength (7d: -15 to -25% versus CEM I) and extended stripping times. Compensation through admixtures (strength accelerators based on aluminates, 0.3-0.8% by weight of cement).

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

CCS is the only technology for capturing process-related CO₂ emissions from calcination. Industrial-scale systems 2026:

  • Heidelberg Materials Brevik (Norway): 400,000 tons CO₂/year capture (50% of plant output), amine scrubbing, injection into North Sea reservoir Yggdrasil. Investment EUR 180 million, operating costs EUR 45-55/t CO₂.
  • Holcim Siggenthal (Switzerland): Planned 2028, oxyfuel process (O₂ combustion instead of air), 600,000 tons CO₂/year, pipeline to North Sea storage. Investment CHF 250 million.
  • Schwenk/Heidelberg Consortium Germany: Feasibility study for 4 sites, hub model with shared pipeline infrastructure. Target operation 2029.

Technical parameters CCS systems: Energy requirement 0.8-1.2 MWh(el)/t CO₂ (amine scrubbing) or 0.5-0.7 MWh(th)/t CO₂ (oxyfuel). Capture rate 85-95%. Residual risk CO₂ leakage from geological storage <0.01%/year (IPCC studies).

Alternative Fuels

Thermal substitution rate (TSR) DACH average 2026: 68% (Germany 71%, Austria 78%, Switzerland 52%). Fuel mix:

  • Waste tires (rubber material): 18-22%, calorific value 32-35 MJ/kg, biogenic content 25-30%
  • Sewage sludge (dried): 8-12%, calorific value 10-14 MJ/kg, biogenic 60-70%
  • Animal meal: 5-8%, calorific value 18-22 MJ/kg, biogenic 100%
  • Plastic waste (non-recyclable): 15-20%, calorific value 38-42 MJ/kg, fossil
  • Biomass (waste wood A1-A3, harvest residues): 12-16%, calorific value 14-18 MJ/kg, biogenic 100%

Biogenic fuels are considered CO₂-neutral (IPCC convention), reducing fossil scope-1 emissions by 15-25%. Limitation: Heavy metal inputs (Cd, Tl, Hg) through waste fuels, controlled via limit values DIN EN 197-1 Table NA.3 (e.g., Cr(VI) <2 mg/kg cement).

Alternative Binders

Research activities on Portland-free binders:

  • Alkali-activated Slag (Geopolymers): NaOH/KOH activation of blast furnace slag. Compressive strength 40-80 N/mm², CO₂ balance 200-350 kg CO₂/t. Not standardized in EN 197, approval via European Technical Assessment (ETA). To date no large-scale production DACH.
  • Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cements (CSA): Clinker from bauxite, limestone, gypsum at 1250°C. CO₂ reduction 30-40% versus Portland. Rapid hardening (24h: 25-35 N/mm²). Corrosivity to steel problematic. Denka (Japan) produces industrially, DACH availability limited.
  • Magnesium Oxide Cements (MgO): Carbonation hardening (MgO + CO₂ → MgCO₃). Theoretically CO₂-negative, practically +150 to -50 kg CO₂/t. TRL 6-7 (Technology Readiness Level), no standard.

Recycled Concrete (RC-Concrete, R-Concrete): Standards DIN 4226-101

Recycled concrete (RC-concrete) integrates recycled aggregate from concrete demolition (Type 1) or mixed construction waste (Type 2) and contributes to circular economy. Normative foundations in the DACH region differ nationally.

DIN 4226-101 (Germany)

DIN 4226-101:2017 "Aggregates for concrete and mortar — Part 101: Recycled aggregates" classifies:

  • Type 1 (Concrete demolition): >90% by mass concrete, natural stone, mortar. <10% masonry, <1% asphalt, <0.5% gypsum. Bulk density ≥2000 kg/m³, water absorption ≤10%.
  • Type 2 (Mixed demolition): >70% concrete/natural stone, <30% masonry. Higher water absorption, lower compressive strength.

Permissible substitution degrees according to DIN 1045-2 and Guideline Recycled Concrete (BMBF 2018): Exposure class XC1-XC3 (dry, moderately wet): up to 45 vol.% Type 1 in fraction 4/32 mm. Exposure class XF1-XF3 (frost): up to 25 vol.% Type 1. Reinforced concrete: crack inspection according to DIN 1045-1 recommended for >35% RC content. Strength classes C8/10 to C30/37 regulated by building authorities, C35/45 possible via individual approval.

SIA 2030 (Switzerland)

SIA Merkblatt 2030:2021 "Recycled Concrete" differentiates:

  • RC-C: Concrete demolition according to SN 670062, substitution up to 50% in fraction 4/32.
  • RC-M: Mixed aggregate with masonry, up to 25% content, limited to exposure classes XC1-XC2.

Design according to SIA 262 as natural concrete. Correction factor elastic modulus: E(RC-C) = 0.9 × E(natural concrete). Minimum compressive strength RC-concrete C20/25 according to SN EN 206.

ÖNORM B 4710-1 (Austria)

ÖNORM B 4710-1:2018 permits RC-aggregates Type A (concrete demolition) up to 40% in grain size line 0/32 for strength classes ≤C30/37. Exposure classes XC, XF1, XA1 permitted. Type B (mixed demolition) only for unreinforced concrete ≤C20/25.

Technical Properties RC-Concrete

Comparison RC-concrete versus natural concrete (C25/30):

  • Compressive strength 28d: RC-C 35 vol.% → -5 to -8% (28-31 N/mm² instead of 33 N/mm²)
  • E-modulus: -10 to -15% (27,000 N/mm² instead of 31,000 N/mm²)
  • Water absorption: +15 to +25% (necessary: added water +8-12 l/m³ or pre-wetting)
  • Frost-deicing salt resistance: comparable when LP-certified RC-aggregates (abrasion <1500 g/m² after 28 cycles CIF test)
  • Carbonation: +20 to +30% penetration depth (18 mm instead of 14 mm after 5 years weathering), compensable through increased concrete cover (+5 mm)

CO₂ Balance RC-Concrete

Lifecycle analysis (EPD) shows reduction Global Warming Potential (GWP):

  • Natural concrete C25/30: 285 kg CO₂-eq/m³
  • RC-concrete C25/30 (35% Type 1): 260 kg CO₂-eq/m³ (-9%)
  • Savings primarily through avoided natural stone extraction (blasting, crushing, transport), not through cement

Market penetration 2026: Germany 8-10% of ready-mix concrete volume (approximately 5 million m³), Switzerland 18-22% (particularly Greater Zurich due to cantonal regulations), Austria 6-8%. Limitation: Availability of pure-type concrete demolition (contamination by gypsum, wood, insulation materials).

Specialty Concretes: High-Strength, Fiber-Reinforced, UHPC

High-Performance Concrete (HPC)

Strength classes C55/67 to C100/115 according to DIN EN 206. Typical values C80/95: cylinder compressive strength 80 N/mm² (cube 95 N/mm²), E-modulus 42,000 N/mm², w/c ratio 0.28-0.35. Composition: CEM I 52.5 R (420-480 kg/m³) + silica fume 25-40 kg/m³ + flow agent (PCE-basis 1.2-2.0%). Application: high-rise buildings (core columns), bridge beams, prefabricated elements. Manufacturers: Heidelberg Materials High Performance Concrete (HPC 85), Holcim OptiMa C90, Cemex Vertua High Strength.

Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC)

Integration of steel, glass, plastic, or natural fibers for crack control and ductility enhancement. Standardization: DIN EN 14889 (fibers), fib Model Code 2010 (design). Steel fibers (35 mm, Ø 0.55 mm, tensile strength 1100 N/mm²) at dosage 25-40 kg/m³ provide residual strengths f(R,1) = 4-7 N/mm², f(R,4) = 3-5 N/mm² (beam breaking test