World Cement Podcast

As the world’s second-largest producer of cement, India represents a significant and growing market that presents both challenges and opportunities. In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, David is joined by Dr S. B. Hegde, Professor of Civil Engineering from Jain College of Engineering to discuss the outlook for India’s cement industry over the coming year. Drawing on topics raised in Dr Hegde’s India-focused regional report published in the February issue of World Cement, areas covered include:

• Production growth & drivers of demand
• Rising utilisation rates
• The challenge of fuel price instability
• India’s decarbonisation efforts
• Highlights to expect over the coming years

If you enjoyed this episode, please make sure to like, review, and subscribe!

In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, Senior Editor, David Bizley is joined by Nicolas Pato, Team Leader for Industrial Tests & Implementation at Heidelberg Materials’ Global Research & Development and Innovation division.

David and Nicolas review Heidelberg Materials’ ReConcrete programme. They explore the origins of the programme, the technologies involved, the impact on carbon footprints, and what the future holds in store.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The ‘genesis’ moment behind ReConcrete
• Pilot plants in Katowice and Górażdże
• The technology behind the process
• Dealing with regulations and standards
• Market demand
• The future of the programme

And if you enjoyed this episode, make sure to rate, review and subscribe. Why not also take the time to check out some of our previous episodes as well?

In the World Cement Podcast’s final episode for 2025, Senior Editor David Bizley is joined by Imran Akram of IA Cement to review the state of the market over the course of the year and consider what’s in store for the industry in 2026.

Topics covered:

• 2025 market overview
• Winners and losers
• Prospects for 2026
• The overcapacity issue
• The impact of decarbonisation on trade

If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to rate, review and subscribe! And if this is your first time tuning into the World Cement Podcast then check out some of our previous episodes too – featuring interviews with leading cement producers, industry associations, and technical experts.

This episode of the World Cement Podcast is sponsored by CemAI and their new process optimisation solution: CemAI Process Optimiser. Combining the power of AI & Machine Learning with cement-specific expertise, CemAI Process Optimiser enables a step-change in production volumes, energy efficiency and consistent quality output.

Find out more at cemai.com

In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, David Bizley is joined by Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of the GCCA to discuss the state of the cement industry’s progress towards net zero and the findings of their recent Net Zero Action and Progress Report 2025/6.

Topics covered, include:

• Are we on track for net zero by 2050?
• The key technology levers for cement producers
• Policy wishlist
• Enabling decarbonisation in the Global South
• Looking ahead to 2035

As always, make sure to rate, review and subscribe. And if you want more World Cement Podcast but can’t wait for the next episode, then take a look at some of our other episodes from 2025, featuring leaders from across the cement industry.

This episode of the World Cement Podcast is sponsored by CemAI and their new process optimisation solution: CemAI Process Optimiser. Combining the power of AI & Machine Learning with cement-specific expertise, CemAI Process Optimiser enables a step-change in production volumes, energy efficiency and consistent quality output.

Find out more at cemai.com

In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, David Bizley is joined by Scott Ziegler, CEO of CemAI to explore the role of AI & ML in the cement industry. This episode covers everything from changes in the control room, to dispelling fears around personnel replacement, and exploring the importance of adequate cybersecurity.

Topics covered include:

• The impact on operations and cement quality
• Key factors to consider when adopting AI
• Countering the myth of job losses – how AI can enhance personnel rather than replace them
• The importance of cybersecurity in the modern cement industry
• And more...

As always, make sure to rate, review and subscribe. And, if you haven’t already done so, why not check out our back catalogue of episodes from other leading players across the cement industry?

This episode of the World Cement Podcast is sponsored by CemAI and their new process optimisation solution: CemAI Process Optimiser. Combining the power of AI & Machine Learning with cement-specific expertise, CemAI Process Optimiser enables a step-change in production volumes, energy efficiency and consistent quality output.

Find out more at cemai.com

In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, Paul Monaghan, Head of Sustainability at Mannok, joins Senior Editor, David Bizley, to explore Mannok’s acquisition by Çimsa, the company’s approach to sustainability and decarbonisation, and the unique challenges and opportunities posed by operating on the island of Ireland. 

Topics covered in this episode include:

• The acquisition by Çimsa and the direction of the company today
• Mannok's approach to sustainability and decarbonisation
• The role of geography on decarbonisation decisions
• The advantages of operating on the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic

If you enjoy this episode, please make sure to rate, review and subscribe. And take a moment to check out our library of episodes, featuring interviews with many leading players in the cement industry.

This episode of the World Cement Podcast is sponsored by CemAI and their new process optimisation solution: CemAI Process Optimiser. Combining the power of AI & Machine Learning with cement-specific expertise, CemAI Process Optimiser enables a step-change in production volumes, energy efficiency and consistent quality output.

Find out more at cemai.com

In this special joint episode of the World Cement Podcast and Cementing Europe’s Future, Senior Editor David Bizley is once again joined by Koen Coppelholle, CEO of Cement Europe (formerly CEMBUREAU). The two discuss the reasons behind the rebrand, a new action plan for cement, and the future of the industry.

Topics covered include:

• Rebranding from CEMBUREAU to Cement Europe
• Changing priorities for the cement industry
• The Cement Action Plan
• The need for financing and demand-side measures
• Policy and the road ahead

If you enjoy this episode, make sure to rate, review and subscribe if you haven’t already done so!

This episode of the World Cement Podcast is sponsored by EnviroTech 2026.
Join industry leaders, technical experts, analysts, and other stakeholders on 15 – 18 March 2026 to discuss the latest technologies, processes and policies being deployed at the forefront of the cement industry’s decarbonisation efforts.

Find out more here: https://www.envirotechconferences.com/event/london2026/summary?utm_source=reg_web&utm_medium=WCT&utm_campaign=EnviroTech2026&utm_id=podcast

The World Cement Podcast welcomes Dr Katherine Romanak of the University of Texas at Austin for a deep dive into the topic of geological CO2 storage – the processes involved both above and below ground, the challenges and opportunities, and what (not) to worry about!

Topics covered include:

• Dispelling misconceptions and exploring the importance of public buy-in
• The chemical processes involved and what actually happens underground
• What are the risks?
• Risks vs rewards

As always, make sure to rate, review and subscribe to the World Cement Podcast if you haven’t already done so!

In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, Senior Editor David Bizley is joined by Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the ACA or American Cement Association.

Listen in as Mike and David dive into a range of topics, including:

• The ACA’s recent rebranding efforts 
• Low carbon cements and CCS
• The impact of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and policy in general
• How AI will shape cement demand over the coming years
• Looking ahead at the market

Make sure to subscribe if you haven’t already done so!

In this episode of the World Cement Podcast, we are joined by Antonio Carrillo, Vice President for Sustainability at Holcim. Tune in to hear a discussion covering everything from CCUS to the circular economy.

Topics covered include:

• Key decarbonisation milestones
• CCUS projects
• The circular economy
• Green construction
• Collaboration
• Policy & Legislation
• And more!