Thailand has reduced more than 3.8 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) equivalent since 2019 through clinker substitution in the Industrial Process and Product Use sector, delivering results ahead of the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) roadmap timeline.

The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) announced the achievements at its 20th anniversary event on Monday. Clinker substitution reduces the proportion of clinker, the most carbon-intensive component of cement production, in the final product, the TCMA elaborated.

The primary vehicle for this transition is the adoption of hydraulic cement, which meets Thai Industrial Standard TIS 2594. The hydraulic cement is now the principal structural cement used in infrastructure, public buildings, industrial facilities, and residential construction nationwide.

The pace of reduction has accelerated over the period. In 2021, clinker substitution delivered more than 300,000 tons of CO₂ reductions. Between 2022 and 2023, a further one million tons of reductions were recorded. Cumulatively, total reductions from 2019 to the present have exceeded 3.8 million tons CO₂ equivalent.

Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, said the success of clinker substitution reflects multi-stakeholder collaboration across government, industry, academia, and professional bodies, and marks a step toward Thailand’s net zero 2050 target.

Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of TCMA, said the cement industry remains committed to advancing the transition toward a low-carbon economy. The clinker substitution model has potential for replication across other industrial sectors and in regional collaboration frameworks, the executive added.

ASEAN carbon markets gain traction as climate risks intensify