Ecocem launches first commercial production facility for ACT technology

Ecocem, independent producer of CO₂-poor cement, announces the construction of its first production line for ACT (Advanced Cement Technology), a globally scalable technology for CO₂-poor cement. The new production line will be built at the Dunkirk site and will have a capacity of 300,000 tons of ACT. The production line will be commissioned in early 2026.

This expansion increases the total production capacity of the Dunkirk plant to more than 1 million tons per year, and Ecocem's total production in Europe to 2.5 million tons. The new production line for ACT cement is the first of its kind worldwide and the result of a collaboration between Ecocem France and CB Green, a division of Groupe CB. Ecocem's ACT technology reduces the carbon footprint of cement by 70% compared to the European average.

Government supported ACT

In the first half of 2025, the focus is on the installation of the core components of the facility, including a new grinding plant for the production of high-grade fillers, and the expansion of blending and storage capacity. Construction will begin in early 2025, with ACT's planned market launch in the second half of 2026. The total investment for the Dunkirk plant expansion is €50 million. This will be financed through a green loan, supported by the French government, and through a government grant of €3.6 million, awarded on the basis of technological innovation and sustainable transformation. Plans are now also ready for the Ecocem plant in Moerdijk to start producing ACT there.

Donal O'Riain, founder and managing director of Ecocem Group, sees the support from the French government and local authorities as confirmation of Ecocem's vision and innovative strength. "The industrialization of our ACT technology marks a historic turning point for the cement sector. Where production processes have barely changed for 200 years, ACT offers a pioneering solution to drastically reduce emissions from this heavily polluting industry. And one that can also be scaled up for the entire industry without compromising on quality or cost."

ACT technology: a breakthrough in cement decarbonization

ACT technology, developed after nearly a decade of research, makes it possible to reduce CO₂ emissions by 70% compared to the European average. This is achieved by making maximum use of alternative materials, so-called supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), without compromising the performance of concrete, such as strength, durability and workability.

The technology can be applied virtually anywhere without major investment in existing cement plants and without modifications to common construction practices. ACT has been tested in more than 20 pilot projects in France, Belgium, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom and has obtained a European Technical Assessment (ETA).