Zaventem / Lixhe, Belgium, 14 October 2025
Etex, a global leader in lightweight construction materials, and Heidelberg Materials, one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions, with leading
market positions in cement, aggregates, and concrete in Belgium and the Netherlands, participate in the joint project CEMLOOP XL – an industrial-scale innovative initiative co- funded by the European Union LIFE Programme. The project aims to revolutionise fibre cement recycling by enabling a fully closed-loop solution, making fibre cement a complete circular product, using advanced Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology. This breakthrough innovation reduces CO₂ emissions in cement production by at least 20% and cuts energy consumption in the process by 15%.
For the first time, the combined expertise of two industry leaders enables a fully circular process that transforms fibre cement waste into high-quality secondary raw material, which is then used to
produce circular, low-carbon cement that will be reused to produce new fibre cement products. Taking part in this common project marks a major step forward in the transition to a more sustainable built environment.
This is achieved through two innovative processes: one developed by Etex, in collaboration with the Jacobs Group, and the CCLIX process led by Heidelberg Materials.
Etex, in collaboration with the Jacobs Group, will implement a new process that transforms fibre cement waste from Etex’s fibre cement production lines and the broader construction sector into
Recycled Fibre Cement Paste (RFCP). This avoids landfilling and downcycling, reintegrating valuable material into the construction value chain. A new recycling facility in Hemiksem, Belgium (Antwerp) is currently under construction, with completion expected by mid-2026.
At its Lixhe cement plant in Belgium (Liège), Heidelberg Materials is developing CCLIX, an innovative
process that upgrades Recycled Fibre Cement Paste (RFCP) through enforced carbonation. By treating RFCP with CO₂ captured from kiln exhaust gases, the material is transformed into
carbonated RFCP (cRFCP), regaining cementitious properties and becoming a high-quality secondary raw material that can partially replace clinker in low-carbon cement production. To scale up
this breakthrough, a dedicated carbonation reactor will be commissioned at Lixhe by the end of 2028.
In the Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage world, this is a unique combination of Utilisation and Storage in one integrated step: the captured CO 2 is part of the new product yet chemically bound in such a way that it will not be able to return to the atmosphere during or even after its lifetime. Therefore, also according to EU regulation, it acts as a permanent CO 2 sink.
Serge Montagne, Technical Director Cement Operations, Heidelberg Materials Benelux:
“Pioneer on the path to carbon neutrality, Heidelberg Materials has long been committed to reducing its CO₂ emissions. One of its key levers is lowering the clinker content in its cement. To accelerate the shift toward more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, the company is actively working to diversify its sources of secondary cementitious materials. CEMLOOP XL is a significant step forward toward new generations of cements, making the construction materials more sustainable and responsible.”
Eric Bertrand, Chief Innovation Officer at Etex: “At Etex, circularity is a part of how we innovate. By 2030, we aim for over 20% of our inputs to come from circular sources and aim to send zero
waste to landfill. Fibre cement plays a central role in this transformation. For the first time, it will follow a fully circular journey. This is only possible thanks to strong partnerships such as Heidelberg
Materials, creating an ecosystem where innovation and circularity go hand in hand.” For more information: https://cemloopxl.eu/
The project has received funding under the EU’s LIFE programme, with the grant agreement signed in June 2025. This endorsement confirms the strategic importance and scalability of CEMLOOP XL as a model for circular construction across Europe.
Etex is a global building material manufacturer and pioneer in lightweight construction. Etex wants to inspire people around the world to build living spaces that are ever more safe, sustainable, smart and beautiful. Founded in 1905, headquartered in Zaventem, Belgium, Etex is a family-owned company with close to 13,500 employees globally. It operates more than 190 sites in 45 countries. Etex fosters a collaborative and caring culture, a pioneering spirit and a passion to always do better for its customers.
Fibre cement is a composite building material containing cement and fibres. It is a strong and versatile material that can be used across a range of applications such as roofing, cladding and internal walls. Often manufactured in boards or slates, it provides strength, flexibility, and long-term sustainability for today’s construction needs.
Heidelberg Materials is one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions with leading market positions in cement, aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete. We are represented in around 50 countries with around 51,000 employees at almost 3,000 locations. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.
