Highs and lows

Dear Readers, At the start of 2021, there was a general vague hope that with a sufficient number of vaccine doses and those willing to be vaccinated, the “spook” could be put to an end by the fall. The forecasts then became somewhat more positive again and gradually the “earlier” life returned. The first conferences took place again – connected with real joy about an exchange beyond any digital conference programs. However, on the other hand, the advantage of short digital meetings compared to costly business trips for a one- or two-hour meeting became clear.

Despite the many – or precisely because of the lockdowns – we were able to report on many new and further technical developments of machines and plants in each issue. Four review articles dealt with the effects of the Corona pandemic on the international cement industry, one review article with developments in the field of modular cement grinding plants, one article with the latest trends in clay activation, and one overview on the development of the African cement industry. A total of 52 technical articles (one for each calendar week!) and 9 plant reports informed the readers about the latest scientific results and their practical application.

Now – in mid-November – the times look bleaker again, the optimistic assumption that Corona will be a rather harmless viral infection has not yet come true, the figures unfortunately top all previous statistical data. So a longer breath is still required. But in fact, time has definitely not stood still in the past year; against all odds, some companies were able to survive well. Flexibility and inventiveness are more than ever a plus when looking strategically into the future.

After this short review, I wish our readers a merry and blessed Christmas season and a defiantly optimistic start to the new year.

Dr. Petra Strunk
Editor-in-Chief