| Sustainable products and service solutions |
| Our ongoing innovation strategy focuses on both process and product innovation, as well as promoting sustainable construction, as demonstrated in our business operations and through the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction. |
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Innovation potential along the value chain In the field of process innovation, we base our work on research carried out at Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zurich. On the product side, we promote the use of sustainable, eco-efficient products such as composite cements containing mineral components, and benefit from our active collaboration with École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where potential applications for nanotechnology are being researched. See our Annual Report, for further information on the potential for innovation along the construction value chain. |
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Investing in products that benefit customers and society Innovative customer solutions are key to improving our own performance and that of our customers. We are providing solutions to meet the increased demand for concrete and cement while proactively engaging our customers to encourage demand for sustainable and eco-efficient products. This sometimes represents a challenge, as it takes time to build trust in new products. In 2008, 78% of cement types produced by Holcim contained significant amounts of mineral components. These are cement constituents that are not derived from clinker production and include blast furnace slag and fly ash. The following examples demonstrate how we are gaining competitive advantage for our brands while enabling us to promote awareness of sustainable products among stakeholders. Please see the case studies on sustainable products via the link "Related case studies" (top right on this page) for further information. |
Cement types produced by Holcim* in 2008
Composite cements increased from 30% in 1990 to over 78% of our product mix in 2008.
* Principal companies only |
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Recycling To make our business in aggregates and other construction materials more sustainable, we are taking greater steps to look for alternative materials and to increase the amount of recycled constituent we use in our products. Examples of alternatives to replace virgin aggregates include crushed glass in asphalt and stent (a by-product of china clay production) in concrete. In the UK, Aggregate Industries has developed products and services that conform to sustainability criteria, ranging from recycled materials to sustainable drainage systems. These are now marketed under a dedicated symbol – Sustainable® – to communicate their strong credentials to customers. In 2008, Aggregate Industries UK has won the tender to be the sole provider of materials and products needed for the construction of the London 2012 Olympic Park. The Olympic Delivery Authority had specified that at least 25 percent of the aggregate content should be recycled material, and at least 50 percent of the materials should be transported to the site by sustainable methods. Aggregate Industries was able to commit to transporting 99 percent of the aggregate materials via rail and waterways, and are confident that 70 percent of the delivered materials will consist of recycled aggregates. Concrete can be reclaimed during demolition operations and crushed into a substitute for virgin aggregate materials. Traditionally, recycled construction demolition waste (CDW) is used in road construction and substructures. |
| Corporate Sustainable Development Report |
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| Related case studies |
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