In-Person Breakfast Meeting: Fly Ash Alternatives – Where Are We at Now and What Does the Future Hold

Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) like fly ash have played a vital role in improving the strength, durability, and sustainability of concrete for decades. However, as coal-fired power plants phase out and fly ash supplies decline, the concrete industry is facing a critical challenge: how to maintain performance and sustainability without a once-abundant material. This presentation explores the evolving SCM landscape—why SCMs are essential, what supply challenges exist today, and how emerging alternatives like slag cement, natural pozzolans, and calcined clays are shaping the future. We’ll also discuss practical strategies for producers, specifiers, and contractors to adapt mix designs, manage quality, and continue delivering high-performance concrete amid this transition. Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of the current SCM outlook and actionable insights for navigating what’s next.