SCG, delivered a landmark address at INTERCEM Asia 2025 in Bangkok, outlining SCG’s ambitious roadmap to achieve Net Zero Emission by 2050. The “Inclusive Green Growth” strategy emphasizes innovative low-carbon cement, a decisive energy transition, and multi-sectoral collaboration, spotlighting “Calcined Clay (LC3)” technology to reduce clinker factor by 40-50% and pioneering construction solutions like 3D Printing and UHPC, setting a new benchmark for sustainability in the building materials industry across Thailand and the region.
Bangkok, Thailand – Amidst a congregation of Asia’s cement industry leaders at INTERCEM Asia 2025, Mr. Manasit Sarigaphuti, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer for SCG Cement and Green Solutions, took the stage to deliver a pivotal keynote. He articulated SCG’s comprehensive vision and strategic blueprint for steering the cement industry—a cornerstone of construction and economic development—through pressing environmental challenges towards a Net Zero Emission goal by 2050. This declaration not only underscored the Thai building materials giant’s profound commitment to social and environmental stewardship but also illuminated a tangible path forward for industry peers.
Mr. Manasit began by reflecting on SCG’s enduring legacy of over 112 years, a period during which the company has been intrinsically linked with Thailand’s development. Today, he asserted, SCG is poised to spearhead the industry’s transition to a genuinely sustainable business model anchored in the “Inclusive Green Growth” philosophy. “Our core objective is to foster long-term stability through green innovation, with a laser focus on reducing carbon emissions across all our business verticals, particularly in cement,”
Mr. Manasit stated. “This endeavor necessitates robust collaboration across the entire supply chain to ensure that our growth is not only environmentally sound but also universally beneficial.”
The global cement industry grapples with the urgent need to curtail carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, a significant contributor to climate change. Mr. Manasitdetailed the primary sources of CO2 in cement production: approximately 60% originates from the calcination of limestone to produce clinker, the main component of cement; around 30% from the combustion of fossil fuels like coal in kilns; and the remaining 10% from electricity consumption. In response, SCG has set an aggressive target of reducing its CO2 emissions by 30-40% by 2030, using 2020 levels (approximately 24 million tons) as a baseline, before ultimately achieving Net Zero by 2050.
Central to SCG’s decarbonization strategy is the continuous innovation of “low-carbon cement.” A significant breakthrough highlighted by Mr. Manasit is the development of “Generation III” cement, which utilizes innovative “Calcined Clay” technology, internationally known as LC3 (Limestone Calcined Clay Cement). “This LC3 technology enables us to reduce the clinker factor by an impressive 40-50% while maintaining, and in some cases enhancing, the cement’s strength and quality in line with established standards,” he explained.
“We currently operate a pilot plant with a capacity of around 70,000 tons of calcined clay cement per year, and we have concrete plans to scale up production and fully launch this product in the market вируsoon. This will mark a substantial step in reducing the industry’s CO2 footprint.” Furthermore, SCG’s commitment to innovation extends to a collaboration with System Company, an MIT spin-off, to develop next-generation (Generation IV) cement technologies anticipated to achieve even greater clinker reduction.
Complementing product innovation is a determined focus on “Green Processes and Energy Transition.” Mr. Manasit revealed SCG’s ambitious goal to completely phase out coal in cement production by 2040. This will be achieved by significantly increasing the use of “Alternative Fuels (AF),” such as biomass from agricultural residues and Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) processed from municipal solid waste.
“To date, we have achieved an average coal substitution rate of 50% with alternative fuels, and at times, this has reached as high as 65%, marking significant progress in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels,” he noted. Simultaneously, SCG is aggressively expanding its use of “Renewable Energy,” including Waste Heat Recovery systems and on-site Solar Power generation, with a target of 100% renewable energy utilization by 2040.
Addressing the residual CO2 emissions that remain challenging to eliminate at the source, Mr. Sarigaphuti acknowledged the need for advanced solutions. “For the remaining 50% of CO2, we must employ a tripartite approach: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS); Nature-Based Solutions (NCS); and the procurement of carbon credits.” While CCUS technology is still evolving and presents cost challenges, SCG views it as a critical long-term solution.
In parallel, “Nature-Based Solutions” such as extensive afforestation and reforestation programs, mangrove restoration, and support for community forests—exemplified by the Saraburi Sandbox project and the construction of over 120,000 check dams nationwide—are actively pursued by SCG to enhance natural carbon sequestration and restore ecological balance.
Mr. Manasit also showcased SCG’s pioneering efforts in “Future Construction Innovations.” “3D Printing Construction” technology, developed by SCG 3DP, is revolutionizing the building sector by significantly reducing construction time, labor requirements, and material waste, while also unlocking new dimensions in architectural design and creativity. Examples presented included avant-garde cafés, modern medical centers, and even the creation of artificial coral reefs using recycled materials mixed with concrete to aid marine ecosystem regeneration.
Another highlight was “Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC),” an advanced building material offering superior strength and durability. UHPC allows for more slender and resource-efficient structural designs, leading to an overall reduction in material consumption and associated carbon emissions, as impressively demonstrated by the award-winning UHPC bridge at SCG’s headquarters.
The journey towards Net Zero, Mr. Manasit emphasized, is guided by the principle of “Inclusive Green Growth,” fostering a “Green Society” through collaboration with all stakeholders. This includes working closely with the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) to establish “hydraulic cement” as a new industry standard, as well as partnering with real estate developers, contractors, research institutions, universities, and leading international companies.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Manasit Sarigaphuti powerfully reiterated, “The path to Net Zero is undoubtedly a formidable challenge, but it also presents an unparalleled opportunity to forge a better future. Three pillars are essential for success: Innovation, as the primary engine for developing new technologies and products; Collaboration, across all sectors and borders; and Support, from government entities in terms of policy and regulation, and from the public through awareness and engagement.
SCG is resolutely committed to being an integral part of this transformative journey. We are confident that through collective effort, we will achieve our Net Zero ambition, unlock new possibilities, and deliver sustainable value to society and the environment.”
Mr. Manasit Sarigaphuti’s address at INTERCEM Asia 2025 has not only charted a clear course for SCG but has also sent a resonant message across the regional cement industry about the imperative and commitment to adapt for a sustainable future, solidifying Thailand’s and SCG’s role as vanguards in this critical global transition.
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