Heidelberg materials closes Paderborn works in Germany
Photo: Kiln at Paderborn cement works (Credits: Heidelberg Materials)
Heidelberg Materials has decided to close its cement plant in Paderborn. The main reason for closing Paderborn has been given as the significant decline in cement sales, driven by weak construction demand in Germany and the current economic conditions. The closure initiative applies exclusively to the cement plant. The activities of Heidelberg Materials’ subsidiary Mineralik in the Paderborn quarry, as well as the local ready-mixed concrete plant, will remain unchanged. Since 2022, the small 0.4 Mta cement kiln in Paderborn (photo) has been exclusively used for the trial production of the company’s innovative cement Ternocem®. However, further development of this carbon-reduced cement will continue at another site in the future, and accordingly, the Paderborn plant has lost its unique position.
Today, carbon-reduced cements from Heidelberg Materials, such as Ternocem®, can be sourced throughout Germany. Ternocem®, formerly known as BCT cement (Belite Calcium sulfoaluminate Ternesite), can be produced similarly to standard Portland cements. However, the technology works on an altered chemical composition and lower burning temperatures. The company reports that CO2 output is up to 50% lower in comparison with conventional clinker, and energy consumption can be reduced by around 15%. Differently to conventional raw materials, industrial byproducts, such as bauxite and sulphate sources, are also used in the production. The sulphate level strongly determines the early and late strength of the product. The future site for continuing the production has not been published yet.
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