21 May 2026 - In this episode of The Clinker Factor, Guest Host Daniel Summerbell, Co-Founder & Chief Solutions Officer at Carbon Re and WCA Member, talks to Markus Kritzler, CEO of Carbon Upcycling, about the changing dynamics of the global cement and materials sector and the growing role of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in industrial decarbonisation. Markus reflects on his route into the cement industry and SCM innovation, as well as the challenge of attracting new talent into a sector increasingly shaped by technology, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. The discussion also examines how SCM investments are becoming both a domestic manufacturing strategy and an emissions reduction lever, with Markus sharing updates on Carbon Upcycling’s flagship commercial project at the Ash Grove Mississauga cement plant and the company’s broader commercialisation roadmap.
Cement production is responsible for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is possibly the hardest to abate sector. In this podcast series, the World Cement Association talks to industry leaders, experts and technological innovators from across the globe, bringing insights and fresh perspectives on how the cement sector can decarbonise and improve sustainability. Suitable for anyone interested in climate change mitigation and industrial sustainability.
Contributors:
Dr Daniel Summerbell
Clinker Factor Guest Host: Co-Founder & Chief Solutions Officer, Carbon Re
Dr Daniel Summerbell is Co-Founder and Chief Solutions Officer at Carbon Re and a Visiting Industrial Fellow at the Institute for Manufacturing. With a background in process engineering across a range of industries in the US, Canada & Europe, he began a programme of research into the cement industry in 2014.Dan's PhD research focused on cost-effective environmental improvements in industry, with a particular focus on construction and the cement industry. He is the developer of the Zero Loss Sustainability Toolkit and other interests include industrial demand-side management of electricity, and material efficiency approaches.
Prior to pursuing a research career, he worked in manufacturing operations across the UK, Europe and North America, including in the consumer products, food & drink, mining and energy industries.
Markus Kritzler
Clinker Factor Guest: CEO, Carbon Upcyling
Markus Kritzler brings over two decades of strategic leadership and executive experience in the building materials and infrastructure sectors to his role as CEO at Carbon Upcycling.
Most recently, he led group wide strategy at Holcim Group, where he directed initiatives across North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa—and played a pivotal role in the landmark multibillion-dollar merger between Holcim and Lafarge. Following Holcim, Markus transitioned to leadership roles at 414 Capital and Ingenia Capital, successfully executing over 70 M&A transactions across the early-stage, middle market, and corporate spectrum.
Markus provides his expertise in strategic partnerships and team building at a critical juncture in Carbon Upcycling’s journey, as the company scales its market presence across North America and Europe.