An overview of Asian cement industry: Environmental impacts, research methodologies and mitigation measures

Through a systematic review of the existing literature, the current study seeks to evaluate environmental impacts and ways to improve the environmental performance of cement manufacturing in Asia. Since cement production consumes a significant amount of raw materials and resources, it is necessary to evaluate its environmental impact and determine how the industry can proceed in terms of sustainable practices. More specifically, the current literature review serves for (i) describing the environmental impacts, (ii) clarifying the methodological approaches, and (iii) identifying the mitigation measures to improve the environmental performance of cement production in Asia. Excessive reliance on coal and limestone, backdated shaft kilns, direct calcination, and the lack of newer technologies were listed as the key contributing factors to the environmental impact caused by cement production in the reviewed studies. Most of these studies identified energy efficiency, alternative fuels, reduction of clinker to cement ratio, and emerging and innovative technologies as the main mitigation measures to rectify these impacts. Among these improvement options, mature technologies are easy to implement due to their cost-effective nature and publicly available data. On the other hand, innovative and emerging technologies, such as WHR and renewable energy generation, need adequate government funding, incentives, and R&D efforts. CCS technology has a greater potential to reduce emissions, but it faces both technological and economic challenges to adopt on a commercial basis in the Asian cement industry. This paper also provides insights on local factors acting on mitigation strategies through systematic analysis and synthesis, as well as identifying gaps in the literature that need to be addressed through scientific research. (C) 2021 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study systematically reviews the environmental impacts of cement manufacturing in Asia and ways to improve its environmental performance. Key factors contributing to environmental impacts are identified, along with mitigation measures such as energy efficiency and innovative technologies. Adequate government funding and research efforts are needed to promote the adoption of emerging technologies.