Gypsum industry news

India: The anticipated India-Oman comprehensive economic partnership agreement remains close to signing, BusinessLine Online News has reported. Nonetheless, ‘one issue’ reportedly still requires ‘ironing out.’ This is the Indian government’s rejection of Oman's Omanisation policy, which is continually increasing the proportion of Omani nationals required to be employed in the country’s industries. The Indian government has asked for a freeze to the requirements, which works to the exclusion of the Indian expat community in Oman, it says.

Bilateral trade between India and Oman was worth US$8.9bn in 2024. Gypsum is among the key Indian imports from Oman.

US: Georgia-Pacific has released its 2024 Stewardship Report, highlighting progress across five operational pillars: Challenge, Connect, Conserve, Contribute and Control. Under the Contribute pillar of responsible products, Georgia-Pacific noted the launch of its DensDeck gypsum roofing panels, which are designed to be able to support solar panel installations on commercial buildings. Meanwhile, under the Control pillar of impact mitigation, Georgia-Pacific noted the implementation of a No Idling policy for trucks at its Sweetwater plant in Texas.

The company’s SO₂ emissions fell by 26,000t (75%) in the 14-year period since 2010, with further reductions planned.

Georgia-Pacific has historically published a full Sustainability Report along with its results for full financial years, ending 31 March.

US: Workers have walked out of Saint-Gobain CertainTeed’s Blue Diamond gypsum plant in Nevada after rejecting the company's final contract offer. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters has reported that 70 of the plant’s employees will participate in the action in protest against the contract offer, which fell ‘way short of acceptable.’

UK: Adaptavate has concluded an agreement for builders merchant Jewson to stock and sell its Breathaplasta lime-based plasters at outlets across the UK. Jewson customers have already had access to Breathaplasta plasters at the retailer’s Norwich, Tavistock and Romford outlets. Breathaplasta’s formulation regulates indoor humidity to prevent mould and condensation. Sales of the product grew by 45% year-on-year in 2024. It is Adaptavate’s first market-ready product, ahead of it carbon-negative Breathaboard alternative wallboard.

Jewson Innovations Manager Matthew Handley said "Developing the solutions and access for tradespeople to build more sustainably is our shared responsibility and our collective goal."

Saudi Arabia: National Gypsum Company recorded sales of US$4.48m in the first quarter of 2025, down by 0.6% year-on-year. Group net profit rose by 67% to US$352,000. Mist News has reported that sales grew by 26% quarter-on-quarter from the fourth quarter of 2024.