Titan America converts Pennsuco, Roanoke plants to PLC

Sources: Titan America LLC, Norfolk, Va.; CP staff

Titan America has become the first U.S. producer to fully switch its ASTM C150 Type I/II portland cement to ASTM C595 Type IL or portland-limestone cement. This lower carbon powder utilizes conventional clinker and gypsum, typically blended with up to 15 percent limestone at the grinding lines of Roanoke Cement in Virginia and Titan Florida Pennsuco plant in Medley—their combined capacity exceeding 3.5 million tons/year.

Promotion of Type IL dovetails Titan America and Athens parent Titan Cement Group’s commitment to deliver net zero concrete by 2050. The addition of limestone lowers the carbon dioxide emissions factor in concrete, owing to the lower volume of portland cement. Titan America is increasing Type IL and other low-carbon binder options with construction of 70,000-ton storage domes at its Chesapeake, Va. and Tampa, Fla. terminals. The domes will nearly triple the terminals’ present combined storage capacity.

“Our conversion to 100 percent Type IL production and expanded investments to deliver lower carbon products and solutions showcase the progress we have made addressing climate change,” says Titan America President and CEO Bill Zarkalis.

The producer has partnered with New York City, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida concrete customers to champion low carbon cement. “We are very pleased by the quick acceptance of our Type IL cement and the corresponding reduction of greenhouse gases,” affirms Titan Florida President Randy Dunlap. “Our decarbonization strategy remains a top priority as we steer the heavy building materials industry towards greener construction.”