ASTM International Publishes New Product Category Rules for the Cement Industry

Words: Dan Kamys



ASTM International has partnered with the Slag Cement Association (SCA) to develop new Product Category Rules (PCR) for slag cement. This PCR establishes the criteria for developing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for slag cement used in concrete, mortar and other construction applications.

“The Slag Cement Association has long understood the potential environmental benefit of the use of slag cement, a recovered material,” says John Melander, executive director of SCA, and an ASTM member. “This PCR provides a standardized method for developing and disseminating verifiable information about the environmental impact of slag cement.”

ASTM International’s world-renowned document development system uniquely positions us as an ideal venue for the development of PCRs. “In choosing to partner with ASTM International as program operator, SCA recognized ASTM’s long history of development of widely accepted standards for the marketplace,” says Melander.

EPDs are a highly regarded way to demonstrate a company’s commitment to sustainability, quality and responsibility. They show businesses the real environmental impact of your product over the course of its lifetime and help differentiate your product in the marketplace.

Partnering with ASTM is a convenient, credible and cost-effective way to develop PCRs and verify EPDs. ASTM does not charge for the development of a Product Category Rule.


Masonry Repair and Retrofit: Materials and Systems for Long-Term Performance
May 2026

Masonry has defined architecture for centuries, prized for its strength, durability, and timeless aesthetic appeal. From historic sites to modern designs, masonry buildings are durable and visually distinctive. However, exposure to moisture, freeze-thaw c

Rethinking Shelf Angle Design for High-Performance Masonry Walls
May 2026

If you've been around masonry construction long enough, you know the shelf angle is one of those details that’s easy to take for granted. It’s been used the same way for decades, set it at the slab edge, support the veneer, move on. But as building requir

When Schedules Tighten, Experience Shows
May 2026

In construction, schedules rarely open up; they tighten. Weather delays, trade coordination, and last-minute scope changes all add pressure, even on jobs that were planned down to the minute. When that happens, experienced masons don’t start cutting corne

Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun