Holcim converts around 1 million tons of wastes as alternative fuels, raw materials in making cement

Holcim Philippines’ waste management unit Geocycle is helping 35 cities and municipalities stay clean and divert materials away from landfills.

Holcim Philippines, Inc., converted around a million tons of qualified wastes into alternative fuels and raw materials for cement production in 2022 as it accelerates circular construction in the construction industry.

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Through its waste management unit Geocycle, Holcim Philippines made productive use of discarded materials from industries and communities through cement kiln co-processing. This helped the company conserve virgin natural resources and avoid high-carbon traditional fuels such as coal while providing partners a safe and environment-friendly waste management solution.

Among the beneficiaries of the company’s circular economy drive are 35 municipalities and cities nationwide, which were able to divert waste away from landfills. Geocycle also helped industrial partners manage wastes including non-recyclable plastics. Furthermore, the company completed installation of facilities for co-processing ozone-depleting substances.

Aside from these, Geocycle conducted lectures on proper waste management for local governments and schools and participated in public forms to highlight the importance of resource conservation.

Holcim Philippines President and CEO Horia Adrian: “Co-processing is an important part of our efforts to advance circularity in the construction industry. Our success in reusing discarded materials is further reducing our consumption of natural resources and carbon footprint. This also enables us to help industries and communities achieve their zero waste objectives. We are excited to continue growing our co-processing operations to further contribute to building progress in the country.”

Co-processing is a government-approved and globally-recognized waste management technology that repurposes qualified discarded materials into alternative low-carbon fuels and raw materials in making cement. Among the environmental advantages of co-processing are the extremely high temperatures of kiln and longer treatment time that prevent formation of harmful gasses. There are also no residues to be landfilled.

Holcim Philippines is increasing its use of low-carbon fuels in cement manufacturing to reduce carbon emissions, cut use of virgin raw materials and contribute to managing wastes in the country in a sustainable manner.