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drymix.info Newsletter 314/2025; ISSN Number 1613-0111; 5. August 2025

1 a. 행사 결과 보고: 동아시아 드라이믹스 모르타르 회의, 서울, 2025년 7월 3일
1 b. Post-Event Report: East Asia Drymix Mortar Meeting, Seoul, 03JLY25
2. Munich (Garching), Germany, 8. - 10. September 2025: 4th ICCCM
3. PPM Meeting 2025 - The 18th Annual SEADMA Conference, KL, 16OCT25: List of Topics
4. Drymix Mortars in the Middle East, 22. October 2025, Sharjah UAE
5 a. São Paulo, Brasil, 13NOV25: 8º Congresso Latino-Americano de Argamassa Seca ladmmc8
5 b. São Paulo, Brasil, 13NOV25:  The 8th Latin American Drymix Mortar Conference ladmmc8
6. Announcing: The 7th Australia Drymix Mortar Meeting, Sydney, NSW, 5. February 2026
7. BASF Investigates Options to Divest of its Coatings Business
8. Sika Takes over Gulf Additive Factory, Qatar
9. Quikrete Acquires Large Stake in Summit Materials from Cementos Argos
10. Heidelberg Materials Takes over Burnco/Canada and Cava Nord/taly
 

1 a. 행사 결과 보고: 동아시아 드라이믹스 모르타르 회의, 서울, 2025년 7월 3일

한국, 일본, 대만에서 온 130명이 넘는 드라이믹스 모르타르 전문가들이 처음으로 서울 몬드리안 호텔에 모여, 동아시아 드라이믹스 모르타르 회의에 참석했습니다. 한국기술인협회(KPEA) 장덕배 회장께서 이번 행사 첫 인사를 진행해주셨고, 동아시아 드라이믹스 모르타르 회의 기술위원장인 한국건설기술연구원(KICT) 송태협 박사께서 기조 연설을 진행해주셨습니다. 참석하신 많은 분들께서 심도 깊은 기술 프로그램이 포함된 행사에 감사의 인사를 전해 주셨습니다. 제1회 동아시아 드라이믹스 모르타르 회의는 Actemium, DK Fine Chemical, Hanil Cement, Haver & Boecker, Imerys, 한국건설기술연구원, KICT, Maleki, Münzing Chemie, Poraver, Sampyo Industry, Timab Magnesium, Wacker Chemie 등에서 후원해 주셨습니다. 진심으로 감사드립니다!

강의 프로그램 후에  플래티넘 스폰서인 DK Fine Chemical이 후원한 갈라 디너와 칵테일 리셉션이 이어졌고, 모든 참석자에게 포토부스 기념품이 제공되었습니다. drymix.info는 이 성공적인 행사를 2026년 대만에서, 이후 일본에서도 이어가기로 결정했습니다 (날짜와 장소는 곧 공개될 예정입니다).

1 b. Post-Event Report: East Asia Drymix Mortar Meeting, Seoul, 03JLY25

Over 130 drymix mortar experts from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan gathered for the very first time at the spacious Hotel Mondrian in Seoul to attend the East Asia Drymix Mortar Meeting. The Conference started with keynotes from the President of Korean Professional Engineers Association (KPEA) Prof. Dr. Jang Deok-Bae followed by Dr. Song Tae-Hyob of Korea Institute for Construction Technology (KICT), the Technical Chairman of the East Asia Drymix Mortar Meeting. We received a lot of appreciation for the strong technical program delivered. Support for the 1st East Asia Drymix Mortar Conference came from: Actemium, DK Fine Chemical, Hanil Cement, Haver & Boecker, Imerys, Korea Institute of Construction Technology KICT, Maleki, Münzing Chemie, Poraver, Sampyo Industry, Timab Magnesium and Wacker Chemie - thanks a lot!

A gala dinner and cocktails reception sponsored by our platinum sponsor DK Fine Chemical followed the lecturing program and offered everyone some photo booth souvenirs. drymix.info decided to continue this successful format in 2026 in Taiwan, later in Japan (dates and locations will be published soon).

2. Munich (Garching), Germany, 8. - 10. September 2025: 4th ICCCM

From 8. - 10. September 2025, the Fachgruppe Bauchemie der GDCh (German Society of Chemists' Construction Chemicals Division) invites to the 4th International Conference on the Chemistry of Construction Materials (4th ICCCM) to Technische Universität München (TUM), Germany, Garching Campus. Host and Technical Chairman is Prof. Dr. Torben Gädt (TUM). The extensive program features 72 lectures (The Call for Papers has expired), the poster session consists currently of 47 poster presentations. The 4th ICCCM is being supported by BYK, C3 Prozess- und Analysentechnik, Microtrac, Schleibinger, Sika, Ultratest and Wacker Chemie. Sponsoring options still exist, please contact us at info@drymix.info. Online registration is available at www.gdch.de.

3. PPM Meeting 2025 - The 18th Annual SEADMA Conference, KL, 16OCT25: List of Topics

Pertubuhan Pengilan Mortar Pra-Bancuh Malaysia | Malaysia Drymix Mortar Manufacturer's Association (PPM) and The South East Asia Drymix Mortar Association SEADMA invite jointly to the PPM Meeting 2025 – The 18th International SEADMA Conference, taking place at One World Hotel, Petaling Jaya (KL Metropolitan Area), Malaysia on 16. October 2025. Chairmen of our event will be Terence Yong, President, PPM and Ferdinand Leopolder, President, SEADMA. Delegates can enjoy contributions from the entire ASEAN area as well as from international lecturers and (as always) ample networking time and opportunities. The full-day event offers a comprehensive technical program, please see our preliminary List of Topics below (subject to change without notice, sorted alphabetically by company or institution name):
Ardex Quicseal | Sindhu Menon | Ardex’s ‘Ecobuild Technology’ – Deepening Customer Engagements and Building a Better Tomorrow
Calucem | Dr. Florian Hartmann | 40, 45, 50 Percent – How the Aluminate Content Influences the Performance of Calcium Aluminate Cements in Building Chemistry
Celotech | Gary Xu | A Better Way to Optimize the Cost of Drymix Mortars (PP)
Cimsa | Maximilian Kew | Reducing Carbon Footprints with Innovative Calcium Aluminate Technology in Construction (PP)
Haver & Boecker | tbd. | (WT) Sustainable Solutions for your Packing Process (PP)
Imerys | Nicolas Pouteau | Calcium Aluminates, the Advanced Technology Enhancing Flooring
Münzing | Warawudh Priknant | A Guide to the Suitability and Use of Powder Additives in Drymix Mortar Formulations (PP)
Organik Kimya | Gizem Özinanç | Evaluation of Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP) Usage Based on Target Classifications and its Impact on Final Performance Parameters in Cementitious Tile Adhesives
Poraver | Lum Kah Seng | Poraspheres – The First Hollow Glass Spheres Made from Recycled Glass
SEADMA ASEAN Reports | SEADMA EC +  Philippe | Regional Announcements, Structure
PPM | Terence Yong and PPM EC | (WT) PPM's Progress Concerning Sales Tax (SST) and Certification of Drymix Mortars in Malaysia (SIRIM Cooperation)
Promindo | tbd., Nurlijan | (WT) Standardizing Drymix Mortars for Indonesia; Status of Promindo's Activities and Building a New Capital: Nusantara
(Rest of SEA) | Nurlijan, Tim, Leo, Philippe | Recent Developments in the Markets for Drymix Mortars in The Philippines and Vietnam
ThaiDMMA | tbd., Klaus | The Main Applications for Drymix Mortars in Thailand with Focus on Jobsite Automation
SIRIM QAS International | tbd. | Welcome and Keynote Speech (WT) on Malaysia's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Strategy and its Impact on Performance Testing, Standardization and Certification of Drymix Mortars
Synthomer | Wai Ming Lee | Enhancing Cementitious Mortars Performance with Functional Additives (PP)
Testing, Bluhm & Feuerherdt | Hans-Heinrich Reuter | (WT) Laboratory Analysis – The Key to High Performance Drymix Mortars (PP)
Wacker Chemie | Jayne Ramos | Importance of Dispersible Polymer Powder on the Durability of the Installations of Modern Tiles

Delegate admission to PPM 2025 and the 18th Annual SEADMA Conference is MYR 2.600 (550 Euro) per person, reduced to MYR 2.200 (450 Euro) p.p. for drymix.info, SEADMA and MEDMA members. Drymix mortar manufacturers pay only MYR 950 (190 Euro) p.p. There is an early bird fee available for drymix mortar manufacturers of MYR 685 (140 Euro) p.p. until 16. September 2025. Special conditions exist for PPM members, as well as for drymix mortar manufacturers coming from outside Malaysia (travel allowance), please inquire with us.

4. Drymix Mortars in the Middle East, 22. October 2025, Sharjah UAE

Coming back to Sharjah Expo on 22. October 2025 (like in 2023): Drymix Mortars in the Middle East – The 18th Annual MEDMA Conference. This is the key international event for drymix mortar experts from the Middle East. Here is the chance to (re-) connect with peers, experience new horizons in producing and formulating drymix mortars as well as check out the recent developments in standardization and certification of drymix mortars in the GCC Nations and beyond. Delegates from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt and Oman have already registered, plus of course the UAE, Qatar and the international community. Technical Chairman of the 18th Annual MEDMA Conference is Mohammed Sanaobar, he will also report on the progress of regulating and controlling the performance of drymix mortars in UAE (a cooperation with Dubai Municipality). Support for Drymix Mortars in The Middle East comes from Blackburn, BYK, Celotech, Evonik, Haver & Boecker, Imerys, m-tec, Organik Kimya, Pidilite Puma, Poraver, Thrakon, and many more. Our extensive program (including workshops!) will be announced in the next drymix.info Newsletter.

Delegate admission to the 18th Annual MEDMA Drymix Mortar Conference is AED 2.300 (550 Euro) per person, reduced to AED 1.900 (450 Euro) p.p. for drymix.info, SEADMA and MEDMA members. Drymix mortar manufacturers pay only AED 800 (190 Euro) p.p.. A special travel discount is being granted to drymix mortar manufacturers coming from outside the UAE, please inquire with us. Registration is open at www.drymix.info.

5 a. São Paulo, Brasil, 13NOV25: 8º Congresso Latino-Americano de Argamassa Seca ladmmc8

O drymix.info e o Presidente Técnico da ladmmc8, Mario Kristeller, têm o orgulho de anunciar o 8º Congresso Latino-Americano de Argamassa Seca, ladmmc8. Como de costume, este evento técnico de um dia inteiro reunirá especialistas em argamassa seca de toda a América do Sul no maravilhoso jardim do Espaço Escandinavo, em São Paulo, Brasil, no dia 13 de novembro de 2025. Além de proporcionar a todos os participantes a oportunidade de ouvir palestras e apresentações de produtos inovadoras e inspiradoras, o ladmmc8 é uma oportunidade única para você fazer networking com profissionais e autoridades do setor, ao mesmo tempo em que conversa com colegas e amigos. A chamada para trabalhos já expirou e anunciaremos a programação no início de setembro. Entre os colaboradores estão: Arodo, Art-Spray, Associação Brasileira de Argamassa Industrializada Abai, Celotech, Cimental, Elementis, Evonik, Fenchem, Haver & Boecker, Imerys, Organik Kimya, Oyak Cement, Saint-Gobain Weber Quarzolit, Universidade de São Paulo (USP).

A entrada para delegados na 8ª Conferência Latino-Americana de Argamassa Seca custa R$ 3.500 (550 euros) por pessoa, com desconto para R$ 2.800 (450 euros) por pessoa para membros e parceiros do drymix.info. Fabricantes de argamassa seca pagam apenas R$ 1.200 (190 euros) por pessoa. Um desconto especial de viagem está sendo concedido a fabricantes de argamassa seca de fora do estado de São Paulo. Entre em contato conosco. As inscrições estão abertas em www.drymix.info.

5 b. São Paulo, Brasil, 13NOV25:  The 8th Latin American Drymix Mortar Conference ladmmc8

drymix.info and ladmmc8's Technical Chairman, Mario Kristeller, are proud to announce The 8th Latin American Drymix Mortar Conference ladmmc8. As usual, this full-day technical event will unite drymix mortar experts from all over South America in the wonderful garden at Espaço Escandinavo, São Paulo, Brasil on 13. November 2025. Besides giving all delegates the chance to hear innovative and inspiring lectures and product presentations, ladmmc8 is a unique opportunity for you to network with professionals and authorities in the business, while at the same time catch up with peers and friends. The Call for Papers has expired, we will announce the program early September. Among the contributors are: Arodo, Art-Spray, Associação Brasileira de Argamassa Industrializada Abai, Celotech, Cimental, Elementis, Evonik, Fenchem, Haver & Boecker, Imerys, Organik Kimya, Oyak Cement, Saint-Gobain Weber Quarzolit, Universidade de São Paolo (USP).

Delegate admission to the 18th Annual MEDMA Drymix Mortar Conference is BRL 3.500 (550 Euro) per person, reduced to BRL 2.800 (450 Euro) p.p. for drymix.info members and partners. Drymix mortar manufacturers pay only BRL 1.200 (190 Euro) p.p.. A special travel rebate is being granted to drymix mortar manufacturers coming from outside the SP State, please inquire with us. Registration is open at www.drymix.info.

6. Announcing: The 7th Australia Drymix Mortar Meeting, Sydney, NSW, 5. February 2026

drymix.info is inviting drymix mortar experts from Australia, New Zealand and Oceania (and beyond, of course) to its 7th Australia Drymix Mortar Meeting. We have again secured the wonderful National Maritime Museum on/in Darling Harbor, Sydney, NSW, on 5. February 2026 for you! As always the Australia Drymix Mortar Meeting will feature a comprehensive lecturing program and ample networking time in between. The Call for Papers has been issued and you are encouraged to propose topics until 31OCT25 (final deadline). Don't wait until then! In 2024 we had to turn down presentations due to limited time slots. Papers will be reviewed by our Technical Chairman and Moderator Philippe Russo and the program will be featured in our drymix.info Newsletter in November 2025. Since many experts come into town the day before, we are also planning a casual Delegate Warm-Up on the waterfront, just like in 2024 - sponsors wanted!

Despite the substantial increase in catering and venue rental cost, drymix.info has decided to keep the cost of admissions moderate, meaning that we will charge the 2025 prices also in 2026. This applies for all events in 2026 except for the 8th American Drymix Mortar Conference admmc8 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (date tbd.).

7. BASF Investigates Options to Divest of its Coatings Business

BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany, is now reviewing options for their entire coating branch. The division, which reported 4.460 mio Euro in 2024 sales, has recently been the subject of a strategic realignment within BASF (we reported in February 2025 about the sale of its decorative paints business in Brasil, Suvinil, to Sherwin-Williams). Selling the entire branch or a joint venture option are on the table. BASF is targeting a valuation of 5.900 mio Euro (USD 6.800 mio). The company is in talks with major paint companies and an array of private-equity funds to execute the transaction. Already in December 2023, the company announced plans to restructure its agriculture, battery materials and coatings businesses into more autonomous units to boost profitability. 

8. Sika Takes over Gulf Additive Factory, Qatar

Sika AG of Baar, Switzerland, has recently completed the acquisition of Gulf Additive Factory LLC in Doha, Qatar. Gulf Additive Factory (GAF) was established in 1968 and produces concrete admixtures, drymix mortars, flooring and sealing materials, as well as External Insulation and Finishing Systems (EIFS). GAF’s manufacturing site near Hamad Container Port, south of Doha, gives Sika access to the surrounding GCC Nations. A transaction value was not disclosed by either party. For the completion of the Qatar National Vision 2030 (launched by the late Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, in October 2008), Sika expects to participate in large investments in infrastructure, health system, tourism and industrial processing, planned in Qatar. 

9. Quikrete Acquires Large Stake in Summit Materials from Cementos Argos

Earlier this year, Quikrete Holdings, Atlanta, Georgia, has completed its acquisition of Summit Materials, Inc., Denver, Colorado, both USA. Summit Materials is a producer of cement, aggregates and concrete, operating in the entire USA. The deal includes cement producers Argos USA and Continental Cement, together the Nr. 4 of US cement producers acc. to our sources. The buyout deal valued Summit Materials at USD 11.500 mio (10.000 mio Euro) and included the 31% stake of Grupo Argos, Medellín, Colombia (Cementos Argos). With this transaction, Quikrete has acquired 100% of Summit Materials’ shares, and the company will become a privately held subsidiary of Quikrete. Cement and clinker exports from Cartagena to the US are expected to continue. 

10. Heidelberg Materials Takes over Burnco/Canada and Cava Nord/taly

Heidelberg Materials AG, Germany, is continuing its strategy acquiring aggregate producers and construction waste recycling companies. The company recently announced that it has signed a binding purchase agreement with BURNCO Rock Products Ltd in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Burnco, established in 1912, operates six aggregate quarries, two asphalt plants, bitumen and cement terminals as well as three concrete plants in Alberta. Burnco and its 200 employees will be integrated into Heidelberg Materials Northern American Division. Heidelberg Materials also recently acquired  Cava Nord S.r.l., Paderno Dugnano (Milano Metropolitan Area), Italy. Cava Nord, founded in 1962, supplies  aggregates and concrete to Lombardia and beyond, and is also recycling construction and demolition waste. The company operates a quarry, two aggregates processing facilities, an aggregates recycling facility, and two concrete plants. The transactions are still subject to regulatory approval, the transaction values were not disclosed for either acquisition.

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Editor-in-Chief: Ferdinand Leopolder. All information is © 2003 - 2025 by Micro-Conference Pte. Ltd., 80 South Bridge Road, #03-01, Singapore, 058710, ACRA Reg. Nr. 201202876N.
 Sincerely Yours, Ferdinand Leopolder