Lafarge unveils low-carbon multipurpose cement

A building solutions company, Lafarge Africa Plc, has announced the launch of ECOPlanet Unicem, the country’s first low-carbon multipurpose cement.

In a statement, the company noted that the cement, designed with an over 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions, was a significant step in its ongoing commitment to sustainable building solutions.

It stated, “Produced from its Mfamosing plant in Cross River State, ECOPlanet will be unveiled nationwide by the end of the year, as Lafarge Africa aims to double its market presence and enable low-carbon construction at scale.”

Speaking at the launch event held at the Carlton Swiss Hotel in Enugu, attended by key industry stakeholders, government officials, and enthusiastic customers, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade–Akinyemi, emphasised the company’s dedication to sustainability and innovation.

He said, “At Lafarge Africa, our vision has always been to lead the building solutions indus try in innovation and sustainability. The launch of ECOPlanet Unicem is not just about introducing a new product; it’s about redefining how we think about construction and its impact on our environment.”

He elaborated on the benefits of ECOPlanet Unicem, noting its significant reduction in emissions compared to traditional cement, which makes it an excellent choice for sustainable construction projects.

He added, “Despite its low-carbon nature, ECOPlanet provides superior performance, suitable for various applications, from complex infrastructure projects to residential buildings. The product is perfect for concreting, plastering, and on-site block-making.

“Globally, within the Holcim Group, ECOPlanet is available in over 35 markets across all regions and supports the most advanced sustainability building certifications, from BREEAM and LEED to EDGE.

“With Holcim’s industry-leading formulation expertise, ECOPlanet’s sustainability profile is driven by innovative low-emission raw materials. Its lower carbon footprint is further enhanced by decarbonising its production process, which is led by using alternative fuels, contributing to our net-zero pledge.”

 The Commercial Director of Lafarge Africa Plc, Gbenga Onimowo, said over the years, Unicem has built a strong reputation, earning consumers’ trust as a reliable option.

 “At Lafarge Africa, we remain committed to leading the promotion of green products to drive sustainable construction within Nigeria’s built environment, and we are proud of this significant achievement.

“ECOPlanet Unicem combines sustainability with superior performance. We aim to make ECOPlanet Unicem the go-to-choice for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint without compromising quality or reliability,” he stressed.

 The Keynote Speaker, the Dean, Faculty of Physical Science, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kingsley Nwozor, praised Lafarge Africa for its innovative ECOPlanet Unicem cement, which has reduced carbon emissions by over 30 percent.

 He called on the rest of the industry to prioritise environmental sustainability, adding that ECOPlanet Unicem was an innovative product that has proven to reduce our carbon footprint.

 He further emphasised the importance of working together to decarbonise the industry and create a sustainable future.

 The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, represented by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Osinachi Nnajieze, expressed his appreciation for Lafarge Africa’s choice of Enugu as the launch location for ECOPlanet Unicem.

 He acknowledged the state’s high environmental and climate protection policies and thanked Lafarge Africa for launching such an innovative, eco-friendly product in Enugu.