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

Through its waste management unit, Geocycle, Holcim made productive use of discarded materials from industries and communities through cement kiln coprocessing. 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 cities and municipalities 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.

'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,' Holcim Philippines President and CEO Horia Adrian said.

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.

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.