This article examines the shift from pure cement (CEM I) to low-CO₂ composite cement (CEM II/III) in the global construction industry. It looks at the challenges mortar producers face when reformulating for lower clinker content and shows how building construction chemicals are essential to maintaining performance.
The move from pure cement to low-CO₂ composite cement is reshaping modern construction.
The cement industry is a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions. Producing one ton of pure cement (CEM I) generates roughly up to one ton of CO₂, and the sector accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions (IEA). With the European Green Deal and 2050 climate neutrality goals in place, cement producers face increasing pressure to decarbonize[1].
As the industry shifts from traditional pure cement (CEM I) to low-CO₂ composite cement (CEM II/III), manufacturers of building materials must reformulate their products. Composite cement can cut CO₂ emissions by 30–40%, but the lower clinker content changes hydration kinetics and affects workability and setting times, leading to mortar performance issues.
Advanced construction raw materials, particularly cellulose ethers, are essential in overcoming these issues. This transition underlines the importance of building construction chemicals in ensuring that modern mortars meet the high performance standards required by the construction sector.
The shift from CEM I to CEM II/III affects the entire value chain, especially manufacturers of building materials producing mortars, plasters, and tile adhesives.
Lower clinker content slows hydration, causing delayed strength development and early-stage performance issues. Workability, or mortar rheology, is another concern, as composite cement blends often produce less cohesive mixtures, making it harder to apply consistently in precision work.
Adhesion has become critical, particularly for tile adhesives and External Insulation Finishing Systems (EIFS), where maintaining a uniform, stable bond is essential. Unpredictable setting times also contribute to processing delays.
To address these issues, the mortar industry increasingly relies on advanced building construction chemicals and performance-enhancing construction raw materials. Additives such as cellulose ethers, redispersible polymer powders (RDPs), and superplasticizers help improve workability, keep setting times predictable, and support consistent mechanical performance.
The reformulation challenges caused by low-clinker composite[2] cement can be addressed with CELLQ® cellulose ether for composite cement, developed and supplied by HSH Chemie. CELLQ® improves water retention, helping mortars cure evenly and reducing the risk of shrinkage cracks. Its workability properties make mortars easier to handle and spread, even when clinker levels are reduced. CELLQ® also supports reliable bonding on low-clinker substrates and is compatible with common clinker substitution materials, such as fly ash, slag, and limestone. Typical applications include tile adhesives, EIFS mortars, plasters, and renders.
One example is CELLQ® 11024, a modified HydroxyPropyl MethylCellulose (HPMC) developed for high-performance tile adhesives. Designed for green cement types, such as CEM II AV and CEM II LL, it meets C2 performance classification for strong adhesion and long-term durability. It provides good sag resistance for vertical applications and extended open time, giving installers more flexibility during application.
By integrating CELLQ®, manufacturers of building materials can maintain consistent quality while lowering the carbon footprint of their mortars. CELLQ® demonstrates how advanced industrial chemicals and building construction chemicals help the industry meet performance requirements while adapting to stricter environmental standards.
HSH Chemie provides expertise in chemical distribution, specializing in construction chemicals across Central and Eastern Europe. With decades of experience, we partner with global brands and regional producers to deliver a complete portfolio of industrial chemicals for construction applications, including:
CELLQ® cellulose ether, our flagship product for mortars and adhesives.
RDPs (redispersible polymer powders) for improved adhesion and flexibility.
Superplasticizers for better flow and lower water demand.
Defoamers, retarders, and hydrophobing agents as essential construction raw materials for stable performance.
HSH Chemie’s role goes beyond chemical distribution. We support customers with technical advice, formulation adjustments, and regulatory guidance so they can reformulate without compromising quality. Thanks to a regional logistics network and over 30 warehouses, we can supply construction chemicals and premier building solutions reliably and keep stock available locally.
The move to low-CO₂ composite cement has increased demand for construction chemicals that improve mortar performance and meet stricter environmental regulations. HSH Chemie works closely with manufacturers of building materials, offering technical advice and supplying specialized building construction chemicals to support low-CO₂ mortar reformulations.
As a chemical distributor, we collaborate with customers to develop formulations suited to low-clinker systems, using proven construction raw materials such as cellulose ethers, RDPs, superplasticizers, defoamers, and hydrophobing agents. With extensive market knowledge and a logistics network of over 30 warehouses across Central and Eastern Europe, we ensure consistent supply and local availability.
We focus on practical solutions that support the transition to composite cement and low-CO₂ mortars. Customers rely on our technical advice and product recommendations to adjust their formulations for composite cement. We also assist with regulatory requirements, helping them maintain performance standards and meet sustainability goals.
Governments across Europe are accelerating decarbonization in construction. Green procurement rules and certifications, such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and EPDs for construction materials, favour low-carbon binders and approved sustainable materials.
Several countries are phasing out CEM I in public projects. Germany and France, for example, are promoting composite cement in state-funded construction. As a result, mortar producers are relying more on construction chemicals and other specialized additives to maintain durability and ensure compliance with EU standards.
Sustainability requirements and new formulation technologies will continue to shape the future of construction chemicals and premier building solutions. Digital tools, including AI-assisted formulation software, are beginning to support mix design for composite cement, helping technicians adjust mortars more quickly.
There is also growing demand for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)-free industrial chemicals and eco-certified construction chemicals in high-performance mortars. Additives that improve curing, temperature stability, and long-term strength are likely to become more important as composite cement use grows. HSH Chemie is working with suppliers and manufacturers to provide these materials and help customers adapt formulations to changing standards in premier building solutions.
As the industry shifts toward sustainable construction, HSH Chemie works with manufacturers of building materials to address the challenges of low-clinker cements. Using CELLQ® cellulose ether and specialized construction chemicals, we help producers meet environmental standards while keeping mortars consistent and reliable.
Learn more about our building construction chemicals portfolio and how these products can support your mortar reformulations. Contact our construction chemicals team to discuss your technical requirements and explore how CELLQ® can be integrated into upcoming projects.
[1] Mineral Products Association Concrete. Uk Concrete and Cement Industry Roadmap to Beyond Net Zero. 2024.
[2] Magistri, M., D’Arcangelo, P., & Padovani, D. The Challenge of Low-Clinker Cements. Presented at Ibausil, September 2023. C-ADD Mapei.
