Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) has strengthened its role as a regional leader by guiding the ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) in launching the “2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap”, the world’s first industry-initiated regional roadmap for reducing carbon emissions. This milestone underscores the collective commitment of the ASEAN cement sector to driving tangible climate action.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA and President of AFCM announced the development following the 46th AFCM Council Meeting, a key gathering that shaped the future direction of collaborative efforts within the ASEAN cement industry.
All eight member countries unanimously endorsed the “2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap”, marking the first regional carbon reduction strategy of its kind in the global cement sector. The roadmap represents a shared vision and strategic framework for reducing CO₂ emissions systematically while enhancing the region’s industrial competitiveness at the global level.
“The “2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap” is a major step forward, outlining clear targets across four strategic pillars: – Adoption of low carbon cement, Transition to clean energy, Deployment of advanced decarbonization technologies, and Development of New Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM).
These strategies aim to help all eight member countries achieve a cumulative CO₂ reduction of more than 38 million tons by 2035, equivalent to planting over 4 billion native trees. A rapid impact initiative includes reducing or phasing out traditional Ordinary Portland Cement production, an immediate measure demonstrating AFCM’s strong commitment to concrete climate action, contributing to economic resilience and long-term sustainability.” Dr. Chana emphasized.
Mr. Montri Nithikul, Vice Chairman of TCMA and Secretary General of AFCM, added that the cement industry plays a crucial role in infrastructure development and economic growth across ASEAN. At the same time, carbon reduction remains a global imperative, and “the “2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap” serves as a unified response to climate challenges, and highlights major collaborative actions across the region, including:
- Producing and promoting low-carbon cement based on performance-based standards;
- Increasing the use of alternative fuels and transitioning to clean energy;
- Applying deep technology solutions including CCUS, supported by feasibility studies, pilots, and knowledge sharing;
- Developing new supplementary cementitious materials such as calcined clay cement.”
Mr. Nopadol Ramyarupa, Vice Chairman of TCMA and Chief of the Thai Delegation, shared his reflections on the 46th AFCM Council Meeting held at the capital city of Brunei Darussalam. The meeting, themed “Cementing Climate Goals through Innovations”, brought together cement associations from all eight AFCM member nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.
“TCMA’s serves as both President and Secretary General of AFCM reflects strong regional confidence in Thailand’s capability to lead the transition toward a sustainable cement industry. TCMA is committed to strengthening collaboration and ensuring that ASEAN progresses in alignment with global directions. Under the concept ‘Be Part of the Solutions’, TCMA continues to encourage all stakeholders across the value chain to take meaningful action.” Mr. Nopadol said.
Dr. Chana as the AFCM President reiterated that “the success of the “2035 AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap”, relies on robust collaborative action among member countries, supported by partnerships across government, private sector, and civil society. Such cooperative action will enable regional integration, global connectivity, and new opportunities in innovation, technology, and green investment. This shared value creation will position AFCM and the ASEAN cement industry as a global model for low-carbon development.”
