[Exclusive] Hanil Cement Joins Battle... Market for 'Special Concrete' Expands

Hanil Cement Held Kickoff Meeting Last November
Plans to Expand to Rain-Resistant and Ultra-Fast Setting Concrete
Special Concrete Market Expected to Grow Further

Hanil Cement has embarked on the development of special concrete, aiming to launch cold-resistant concrete by the end of this year. As Hanil Cement, the second-largest company in the cement industry by market share, enters the special concrete market, it is expected that the special concrete market will expand and the competitive landscape within the cement and concrete industries may be reshaped.

According to a report by Asia Economy on the 10th, Hanil Cement completed the practical preparations for research and development (R&D) of special concrete at the end of last year and is currently working on launching cold-resistant concrete within this year that can promote strength development without separate heat curing even in subzero temperatures.

A Hanil Cement representative said, "With the recent increase in interest and market competitiveness in special concrete, we have officially started development," adding, "Starting with cold-resistant concrete, we plan to expand related product development to rain-resistant concrete that can be poured during rainfall and ultra-fast setting concrete that solves the problem of quick hardening in summer."

Currently, the special concrete market is led by three ready-mix concrete specialists: Sampyo Industry, Yujin Enterprise, and Aju Enterprise. In this context, Hanil Cement’s entry into the special concrete market?where about half of its total sales come from the cement sector?indicates the growing importance of this market, according to industry insiders.

An industry insider commented, "The fact that a company focused on cement has started developing special concrete means that the market pie is growing," and added, "It also appears that the cement industry is seeking breakthroughs in niche markets amid internal and external challenges."

Special concrete refers to concrete with enhanced performance to be poured under specific environmental conditions. This includes concrete improved to be pourable even in winter when temperatures drop below freezing, and concrete that gains higher compressive strength when exposed to rainwater, allowing pouring during rainy conditions.

Experts predict that the importance of the special concrete market will continue to grow due to abnormal weather patterns and downturns in the construction industry. Sampyo Industry, which leads the special concrete market, saw sales of its 'Bluecon Winter' (special concrete pourable in winter) increase 34-fold to 184,000 cubic meters in 2023, seven years after its launch in 2017. Its 'Bluecon Floor' (special concrete preventing shrinkage and lifting) launched in 2018 recorded sales of 64,000 cubic meters last year, a 32-fold increase over six years.

According to global market research firm Coherent Market Insights, the special concrete market is expected to grow from $61.24 billion in 2024 at an average annual growth rate of 7.05%, reaching $92.63 billion by 2031.

Professor Song Chang-young of the Department of Architecture at Gwangju University said, "As abnormal weather occurs worldwide, the special concrete market is continuously growing not only domestically but also globally," adding, "However, the durability and functionality of special concrete?specifically how long its strength is maintained?need further improvement and careful consideration."