Cement production in the European Union (EU) has been affected negatively due to the global economic crisis. In 2010, total cement production dropped from to 270 mt in 2007, to 190 mt.
The 27 EU member states have some 270 cement production plants and the sector employs 45,000 people directly. Major players in the region includes giants like Lafarge (France), HeidelbergCement (Germany), Holcim (Switzerland) and Italcementi (Italy). CO2 emissions from the cement industry reached to levels of around 100 mtCO2 in 2010. Calcinations process in cement industry is the major CO2 contributor. It is also a process where highest energy consumption occurs. Clinker burning releases some 60 per cent of direct CO2 emissions associated with cement production.