Alpacem Cement, a brand of the Austrian Wietersdorfer Group's Cement and Concrete division, has confirmed its continued operations in Slovenia following the adoption of key implementing regulations by the Slovenian government. These regulations were grounded in the ZVO-2A Environmental Protection Act passed last year. It introduced Europe’s strictest environmental standards for the cement industry, while offering a clear path for the company to meet them and preserve jobs in the only remaining country’s integrated cement plant.

The new legal framework allows Alpacem Cement to maintain its operations in Anhovo, safeguard local jobs, serve customers, and significantly reduce emissions. To fully comply, the company must now obtain all necessary environmental and construction permits. This permit process is a critical next step and will involve close cooperation with authorities, the local authorities, the local community and the union.

Once final permits are secured, Alpacem Cement will invest tens of millions of euros into advanced technologies, some being introduced to the cement sector for the first time. Currently, the cement produced at the plant has a footprint 36 percent lower than the EU average, still the company’s goal is to become one of the lowest-emission cement producers in Europe. In the coming months, detailed planning of the investment will be finalized and submitted to authorities.

“This achievement would have not been possible without the engagement of the plant level and national Construction Workers' Union of Slovenia (SDGD) playing an important role in building trust and confidence in the envisage process of decarbonisation and just transition “, says Oskar Komac, general secretary of SDGD.

Meanwhile, BWI organised a two-day Solidarity Visit to Slovenia on 19–20 May 2025, which included a visit to the Anhovo plant. There, the delegation met with Dr. Tanja Ljubic Mlakar, Head of Ecology and Management Systems; Peter Korenjak, Community Manager; Oskar Komac, General Secretary of SDGD; Tanja Sulijog, local union representative; Gracijela Simcic, workers’ representative on the supervisory board; and other employee representatives. Discussions centred on how, despite significant legislative challenges threatening job security, the company continues to uphold an open and constructive social dialogue with the state. Together with its employees, the company is working toward long-term stability. A robust system of social dialogue is in place, supported by an active collective bargaining agreement.

“We are pleased that the Slovenian goverment has recognised the voices of the workers calling for a just transition in the Slovenian cement industry. The new regulations  give not only an opportunity to reduce the environmental impact and investment of new and pioneering technologies, but also preserve jobs and the know-how of many younger women and men working in Anhovo“, says Jasmin Redzepovic, BWI Director for Cement.