MECACLAY: Green Cement Production through Mechano-Chemical Activation of Clay
AB “Akmenės cementas” has launched the implementation of an innovative European Union–funded project “MECACLAY: Green Cement Production through Mechano-Chemical Activation of Clay” aimed at fundamentally transforming cement manufacturing into a low carbon dioxide (CO₂) emission process. This is one of the first solutions of this scale in Europe dedicated to the decarbonisation of the cement industry.
The objective of MECACLAY is to reduce CO₂ emissions in cement production by replacing a portion of traditional clinker with an innovative, less polluting raw material.
The project enables:
The project implements a mechano-chemical clay activation technology (MECACLAY):
The newly introduced technology will reduce energy consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and allow the use of a wider range of local raw materials. Construction is planned to start in 2028, with production operations expected to begin in 2030.
The project will deliver a significant environmental impact: up to 51.3% lower CO₂ emissions, i.e. more than 1.9 million tonnes of CO₂ saved over 10 years.
The total project investment amounts to approximately EUR 100 million, with up to EUR 29.58 million in funding from the EU Innovation Fund.
MECACLAY represents an important step towards a climate-neutral cement industry, low-carbon construction materials, and the sustainable transformation of industry in Europe.
More information: https://ec.europa.eu/assets/cinea/project_fiches/innovation_fund/101250933.pdf
Daiva Tušienė
Sustainability and Project coordinator
Phone: +370 425 58352, E-mail: daiva.tusiene@cementas.lt
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA).
Building a sustainable future: AB “Akmenės Cementas” shares its experience at the Baltic Carbon Forum 2026
8–9 October 2026 The international Baltic Carbon Forum 2026, held in Warsaw (Poland), brought together policymakers, industry representatives, scientists and CCUS (carbon capture, utilisation and storage) experts to discuss solutions for sustainable industrial transformation and climate neutrality.
At the conference, Daiva Tušienė, Sustainability and Projects Coordinator at AB “Akmenės cemenatas”, delivered a presentation ‘Building a Sustainable Tomorrow: Decarbonisation at Akmenės Cementas’, in which she presented the company’s decarbonisation strategy, CO₂ emission reduction targets and ongoing initiatives aimed at achieving climate-neutral cement production. The presentation highlighted the company’s long-term transformation, the use of alternative fuels, the potential of the MecaClay project, energy efficiency and preparations for the implementation of CCS (carbon capture and storage) technologies.
Participation in the forum provided an opportunity to learn about the latest trends in CCS and CCUS technologies in the Baltic Sea region, to establish new professional contacts and to share AB “Akmenės Cementas”’s experience with the international community of experts.
Akmenės Cementas continue to play an active role in international initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable cement industry and the achievement of climate neutrality targets in the Baltic region.
