Holcim has announced a strategic investment in SaltX Technology, a Swedish firm specialising in the electrification of industrial processes, as part of its ongoing push to decarbonise cement production. The collaboration aims to establish the world’s first all-electric cement plant using SaltX’s electric plasma technology.
SaltX’s innovation enables the production of clinker—the key ingredient in cement—using renewable electricity while concentrating CO₂ emissions from raw materials, thereby facilitating more efficient carbon capture. The partnership combines Holcim’s construction industry expertise with SaltX’s advanced electrification technology to accelerate the transition to near-zero emission cement manufacturing.
“This collaboration adds a powerful lever in our efforts to decarbonise the full cement production process,” said Ram Muthu, Head of Operational Excellence at Holcim. “It strengthens our ability to deliver near-zero cement at scale, supporting our role as a leader in sustainable construction.”
Lina Jorheden, CEO of SaltX, welcomed the partnership, stating: “This is a significant validation of our technology and vision. Holcim is an ideal partner to help us scale and industrialise our solution through close technical and commercial cooperation.”
The investment expands Holcim’s portfolio of decarbonisation technologies developed through its open innovation ecosystem, which reviews more than 500 startups each year. To date, Holcim has made 17 strategic investments via MAQER Ventures, its corporate venture capital arm, to support breakthrough innovations in the built environment.
