Cemex says co-processing boosts climate initiatives

LISTED construction firm Cemex Holdings Philippines, Inc. achieved a six-time net waste reduction record through coprocessing, which is in line with its climate change initiatives.

In a statement on Tuesday, Cemex said it now co-processes six kilograms of waste for every kilogram it generates. It was able to co-process 214,772 tons of carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions, nearly six times the 35,850 tons of waste Cemex facilities generated from 2016 to 2020.

“Co-processing more than the waste we generate is proof-positive of our solid commitment in ensuring we are drivers of the circular economy, helping increase the use of waste as alternative fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as these wastes provide replacement for fossil fuels,” Cemex President and Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Alejandro Mijares Elizondo said.

In a statement last year, Cemex said its co-processing procedure involves taking the plastic and rubber-based parts of waste materials, which will then undergo a pre-treatment process before being used to manufacture cement.

Meanwhile, the non-recyclable waste is converted into “usable heat to help power the cement kiln.”

“Co-processing helps divert these wastes which otherwise would end up in landfills and waterways,” Mr. Mijares said in the statement on Tuesday.

With the 214,772 tons of waste co-processed within the 2016 to 2020 period, the company said it was able to avoid 327,742 tons of CO2 emissions. That translates to cutting emissions produced by 71,278 passenger vehicles in a year or 362,248 tons of coal burned.

In 2020, global Cemex said 91% of its plants collectively co-processed 2.7 million tons of waste to alternative fuels, which is equivalent to a 25.3% substitution rate and 1.6 million tons of coal replaced.

“We take earnest steps in making sure that we maximize environmental opportunities in our operations, including [the] use of alternative fuels through co-processing,” Mr. Mijares said.

The company has a “Future in Action” agenda that focuses on addressing climate change via cutting down CO2 emissions by 35% and aims to reduce its emissions by 40% come 2030. The company hopes to invest $60 million every year for the program.

Cemex is also trying to improve its production efficiency as part of its climate action initiatives, such as investing in energy efficiency, using alternative fuels, expanding its use of renewable energy, and increasing its use of clinker substitution.

On Tuesday, shares of Cemex Holdings went up 0.93% or one centavo to close at P1.08 apiece. —