ASEAN cement industry unveils 2035 decarbonization roadmap

BANGKOK, THAILAND — The ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) has launched the 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, marking the world’s first regional strategy to cut carbon emissions in the cement sector.

The announcement was made at the 46th AFCM Council Meeting held in Brunei Darussalam, chaired by AFCM President Dr. Chana Poomee, with representatives from all eight member countries in attendance.

The roadmap comes ahead of COP30 in Brazil and signals ASEAN’s united commitment to accelerate climate action through sustainable cement production.

Cement manufacturing plays a central role in ASEAN’s infrastructure development but remains one of the highest CO₂-emitting industries.

The roadmap aims to align regional efforts with national climate policies and global decarbonization goals while enhancing the sector’s international competitiveness.

“This shared framework will guide systematic CO₂ reduction, enhancing regional competitiveness, and reinforcing AFCM’s contribution to global climate solutions,” said Dr. Poomee, who also chairs the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association.

The 2035 roadmap was developed with support from the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) and is structured around four strategic pillars:

1. Expansion of low carbon cement through performance-based standards,
2. Transition to clean and renewable energy, including efficiency upgrades,
3. Deployment of advanced decarbonization technologies such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS),
4. Development of new supplementary cementitious materials for next-generation products.

A key immediate action identified is the reduction and phasedown of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), which the AFCM views as a “quick win” to drive early emissions reductions.

At full implementation, the roadmap’s measures could reduce up to 38 million tons of CO₂ emissions by 2035 across the ASEAN region.

Dr. Poomee urged all member associations to adopt the roadmap as a collaborative strategy, recognizing that each country’s decarbonization pathway will vary based on its regulatory landscape, industrial maturity, and available technology.

“The 2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap presents a significant opportunity to enhance regional competitiveness, drive sustainable development, and deliver substantial economic benefits,” Dr. Poomee said.

He emphasized the importance of policy support to ensure effective implementation, noting that “government support, including policy adaptation, will be essential.”

AFCM members from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam all endorsed the roadmap and reaffirmed their intent to decarbonize their cement sectors according to national circumstances.

Member countries highlighted the need for collaboration, increased use of alternative fuels, greater energy efficiency, and broader adoption of low carbon cement and concrete.

“Through collaboration, innovation, and collective action, AFCM can accelerate the adoption of low carbon technologies, attract green investment, create new economic opportunities, and build a resilient, future-ready cement industry that makes a meaningful contribution to global decarbonization,” Dr. Poomee concluded.