Global CemFuels News

Chile: Germany-based Sutco says that it has commissioned Chile’s first semi-automated sorting plant for circular materials. The plant has a capacity of 60,000t/yr and is equipped with technology from suppliers including UNTHA Iberica, Pellenc, UnoTech, TIG Automation and Incoserv. The facility includes a dedicated alternative fuels production line to serve the cement industry.

India: Kerala has converted approximately 48,000t of non-recyclable waste into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for use in cement plants, from the period of January - December 2023. The Department of Local Self-Government reported that 29,826t originated from the government sector and 18,205t from the private sector. The material was collected from households and shops, separated at collection facilities and sent to cement plants for co-processing. The local authorities managed the collection and separation of dry waste.

The state has ‘significantly’ invested in infrastructure for dry waste storage, with 167 resource recovery facilities, 1981 collection facilities, 20,904 mini collection facilities, and 57 storage warehouses over 45,522m². The Haritha Mithram mobile app has led to an increase in door-to-door waste collection and the volume of dry waste processed. The state has added 41 more warehouses so far in 2024 to manage the increased waste collection.

Brazil: Votorantim Cimentos has inaugurated its first unit in Brazil for Viter, its agricultural inputs business, and Verdera, its sustainable waste management business. Located in Itaperuçu, the unit comprises a new Verdera waste crushing plant and an agricultural limestone production line for Viter. This initiative is part of a US$785m investment programme.

Verdera's Itaperuçu facility has a capacity of 48,000t/yr, tripling its previous capability, and is equipped with technology for sustainable waste treatment. The waste processed at the plant will be converted into clean energy for cement production at Votorantim's plant in Rio Branco do Sul, using co-processing technology developed by Votorantim in Brazil in 1991. Viter's new line will increase agricultural limestone production in Paraná. The Itaperuçu plant, along with the existing Rio Branco do Sul unit, brings Viter's total capacity to 1.5Mt/yr of agricultural limestone in Paraná. The new plant features filters for emission control and utilises biomass as a renewable energy source.

India: Adani Group subsidiary Ambuja Cements won the Circular Economy Silver Award at the SKOCH Awards 2024 in New Delhi. News Online has reported that the award recognises the company’s success in achieving six-times plastic negative status through the co-processing of plastic as alternative fuel in its cement plants.

Adani Group cement CEO Ajay Kapur said “This recognition underlines our steadfast commitment to driving sustainable development through innovative business practices that prioritise the responsible use of natural resources. We remain resolute in our mission to contribute to the holistic growth of our nation.”

Philippines: Cemex Holdings Philippines subsidiary Solid Cement has signed a deal to receive post-consumer plastic packaging from food and beverage group Liwayway Marketing Corporation. The Business Mirror has reported that Solid Cement will co-process the plastic packaging as alternative fuel at its Antipolo cement plant.

Cemex Philippines president Luis Franco said "At Cemex, we are committed to solving environmental challenges. Our partnership with companies like Liwayway translates this commitment into action. It demonstrates our solid efforts at ensuring we promote responsible business and elevate industry standards."