A New Era for Cement: From PCA to ACA, and Delta Ducon's Enduring Partnership

The cement industry, a cornerstone of infrastructure and development for over a century, is on the cusp of a significant transformation, marked by the recent name change of its leading North American representative. The venerable Portland Cement Association (PCA), which has championed the industry since 1916, is rebranding as the American Cement Association (ACA). This strategic shift reflects a broader evolution within the industry, driven by an intensified focus on decarbonization, sustainability, and the expanded range of innovative cementitious materials now being produced.

For over a century, the PCA has been the voice of U.S. cement manufacturers, advocating for the advancement of Portland cement and concrete through market development, research, engineering, education, and policy work. Their contributions have been instrumental in shaping modern construction practices, from pioneering air entrainment for freeze-thaw resistance to developing ultimate strength design concepts that revolutionized concrete structures.

The decision to transition from PCA to ACA, announced in May 2025 at the IEEE-IAS/PCA Cement Conference, is a clear signal of the industry's commitment to a greener future. As Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the ACA, articulated, the name change acknowledges that U.S. cement manufacturers are now producing a wider array of lower-emission cements beyond traditional Portland cement. With lower-emission cement consumption growing tenfold since 2021 and accounting for over 60% of total U.S. cement consumption, the new name, American Cement Association, better reflects the industry's modern mindset and its dedication to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The new slogan, "Sustainable Cement for Resilient Concrete," encapsulates this forward-looking vision.

Delta Ducon: A Century of Partnership in the Cement Industry's Evolution

Through all these transitions and advancements, Delta Ducon has stood as a steadfast partner to the cement industry, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and operational excellence for over 100 years. Our journey in bulk material handling has been intrinsically linked with the growth and evolution of the cement sector, particularly in the demanding applications of high-abrasive material handling.

From the foundational days of the PCA, focusing on the widespread adoption and improvement of Portland cement, Delta Ducon has provided the robust and reliable pneumatic conveying solutions essential for efficient and safe material transport within cement plants. Our engineering expertise has been honed in the crucible of high-abrasion environments, handling everything from raw limestone and clinker to fly ash and other critical additives.

Our solutions, including heavy-duty pneumatic conveying systems, Extreme Rotary Valves, PERMA/flo KG Diverters, and specialized piping, have been integral to ensuring continuous material flow, minimizing downtime, and maximizing throughput in challenging cement manufacturing processes. We understand the critical role these components play in productivity and profitability.

As the industry shifts towards new, lower-emission cements and blended cement production, Delta Ducon continues to be at the forefront of technological advancement. Our innovative "SmartBlend" system, powered by the precise feeding capabilities of our RotoFeed technology, exemplifies our commitment to the industry's decarbonization efforts. This system enables highly accurate and continuous blending of cementitious materials, allowing manufacturers to produce a diverse range of sustainable cement products with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

Delta Ducon's long-standing involvement with the leading industry organizations, now the American Cement Association, reflects our dedication to supporting the industry's progress and addressing its evolving challenges. We actively engage with industry professionals, contribute to best practices, and develop solutions that align with the ACA's vision for a sustainable and resilient future for cement.

The rebranding of the PCA to the ACA is more than just a name change; it's a powerful statement of intent. It signifies an industry embracing a future of innovation, sustainability, and expanded material applications. Delta Ducon is proud to have been a part of this journey from the very beginning and looks forward to continuing our deep-rooted partnership with the American Cement Association, providing the essential material handling solutions that will underpin the next century of cement excellence.