Co-processing for sustainable waste management solution

Waste disposal has been a growing problem in every country across the globe. As urbanization continues, as technology advances, and as populations increase, so does the level of the world’s waste.

Leading cement manufacturer CEMEX Holdings Philippines takes on the call for better waste management and reduction of plastic waste by providing a sustainable disposal solution through an industrial process called co-processing.

Co-processing is a proven sustainable waste disposal solution that reduces pollution and landfill space through the simultaneous recycling of materials and recovery of energy by utilizing a cement kiln. The kiln is the heart of the cement manufacturing operations and is the main equipment utilized to produce clinker, the main component for cement.

Coupled with proper segregation, co-processing helps reduce waste accumulation in dumpsites by taking the plastic and rubber-based waste and integrating these into the cement manufacturing process after the necessary pre-treatment.

Non-recyclable waste is then converted into usable heat to help power the cement kiln, thereby reducing the dependency on fuel or electric consumption.

Continuously operating at extremely hot temperatures of around 1,500 Celsius, the cement kiln guarantees the complete breakdown of waste and toxic substances, ensuring that no residual waste materials are created.

Co-processing has also helped minimize environmental impact and health hazard to nearby communities, and lessen the burden of landfill spaces by up to 30%.

Aided with strict compliance on international standards on quality (ISO 9001), environment management (ISO 14001), and health and safety (ISO 18001), CEMEX conducts co-processing in an environmentally-friendly and secure way, and is duly accredited by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

As testament to its commitment to protect and conserve the environment, CEMEX Holdings Philippines have been recognized in 2019 by the DENR - Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) for its waste management solutions and for the TSeK or Tamang Segregasyon Para Sa Kalikasan program services that are being offered to its chosen communities. CEMEX first earned the DENR-EMB recognition in 2017 for its commitment as donor partner to the government’s Adopt-a-River Program.

CEMEX has a rich history of improving the welfare of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future in more than 50 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, CEMEX subsidiaries Apo Cement Corporation in Cebu and Solid Cement Corporation in Rizal produce and market a broad product mix of building solutions. These cement manufacturing plants carry the well-established cement brands Apo and Rizal. More information is available at www.cemexholdingsphilippines.com.