“As part of its sustainability commitment, Holcim Philippines aims to use as much as 30% of alternative fuels in cement production.

Another man’s waste, is another man’s treasure.

This is indeed true for cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. which has agreed to burn tobacco wastes as alternative fuel to its cement-making plant using a new technology called co-processing.

The company’s waste management unit Geocycle has partnered with tobacco processor Universal Leaf Philippines Inc. (ULPI) for environment-friendly and sustainable management of its by-products by using those as alternative fuel in cement production.

Under the deal, ULPI will send nearly 750 tons of tobacco stems per month from its Agoo, La Union operations to Holcim’s plant in Bacnotan to be used as a substitute to traditional fuels.

“As part of its sustainability commitment, Holcim Philippines aims to use as much as 30% of alternative fuels and raw materials such as qualified wastes in cement production by 2030. Last year, Holcim Philippines used 160,000 tons of such materials in place of traditional fuels,” the company said in a statement.

A government approved and internationally recognized waste management technology, co-processing repurposes discarded materials from various industries into alternative fuels and raw materials using a cement kiln.

The length of time materials stay inside kilns at extremely high temperatures prevents the formation of harmful gases. There is also no residue to be landfilled with this incorporated into the cement. Through co-processing, Holcim reduces its use of fossil fuels and provides public and private sector partners a sustainable waste management option.

Prior to the partnership with Geocycle, ULPI managed its wastes from tobacco processing through landfilling. The companies sealed the partnership at Holcim’s La Union plant on June 29.

ULPI Vice President for Internal Operations Ronel Montebon said the decision to switch to co-processing is part of a continuing program to improve the company’s waste management. The company cited its environmental advantages such as the reuse of wastes as alternative fuel and environmental sound management of materials as reasons for the shift.

Environmental Management Bureau–Region I Director Ma. Victoria V. Abrera lauded the companies for their commitment to environmental stewardship and expressed support for Geocycle playing a more significant role in waste management in the region.

“I am very happy to witness this significant agreement between two companies putting waste to good use. Co-processing is important in addressing the challenge of waste management in the region with volumes steadily growing especially plastics,” she said.

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