EU Directive cements challenges

A new

Directive (2003/53/EC), effective from 17th January 2005, makes it mandatory on participants in the cement value chain to control levels of toxic chromium (VI). This directive is set to trigger heightened demand from the cement industry for the reduction of agents such as ferrous sulphate (FeSO4) and tin sulphate (SnSO4) that can reduce the toxic chromium (VI) to its non-toxic chromium (III) form. At the same time, this directive is likely to spark changes in a variety of related end-user markets.

Following the new directive, cement producers have to ensure that reducing agents are added as early as possible in the production process and limit the levels of soluble chromium (VI) in cement to below 2 ppm (parts per million). Moreover, they have to declare a storage period or shelf life for their products.

With the main responsibility for adhering to these guidelines resting with cement producers, they are likely to face a host of new challenges. ‘The consequent investments into restructuring the production processes, developmental work to find the appropriate reducing agent, as well as the regular purchasing of reducing agent will add significantly to the internal costs of producers,’ said Frost & Sullivan’s Research Analyst Evelyn Turmes. ‘However, in a market characterised by fierce competitive pressure, price increases in cement are difficult to justify.’