In the Philippines where the most common wastes disposal methods are thermal destruction and chemical or physical treatment, waste still eventually ends up in landfills by way of its ashes and treated remains.
To help mitigate this situation, Republic Cement has been offering several sustainable solutions to address the problem of disposing wastes, including plastics, such as waste co-processing to its partner communities since the early 2000s.
Co-processing is a method employed by cement manufacturers around the world that uses alternative fuels in the manufacture of cement. The process burns waste materials such as plastics at 1450°C in a kiln chamber and recovers thermal and mineral properties that provide the energy needed to produce cement.
Republic Cement has maximized the use of alternative fuels such as rice husk, saw dust, and refuse-derived fuel as a substitute for its fossil fuel requirements. Using these materials as fuel proved to be more environment-friendly, moving the company closer to zero waste and lower CO2 emissions.
Having established its leadership in providing innovative construction solutions and manufacturing expertise, Republic Cement plants are equipped with state-of-the-art continuous emission monitoring (CEMS) systems that are calibrated and maintained.
With its enormous heat capacity to co-process residual waste plastics, Republic Cement provides “Plastic Neutrality” option for partners. Plastic Neutrality is a scheme in which a waste plastic generator engages another party that provides the technology to reduce or offset plastic consumption to reduce wastes in communities and landfills.
Specifically, the program reduces single-use plastics and transforms these wastes into resources, which in the case of Republic Cement is as alternative fuel.
In 2019, Republic Cement sealed three partnerships with companies looking to become plastic neutral, namely Nestle, Century Pacific Food (CNPF) and Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures.
“With more Filipino companies embracing the plastic-neutrality concept, we are confident that we will continue to make strides for a greener and stronger Republic,” said Republic Cement president Nabil Francis.
Republic Cement has also established partnerships with local government units, including the City of Manila; Valenzuela; Paete and Liliw in Laguna; Norzagaray and San Jose del Monte in Bulacan; Teresa in Rizal; Taysan and Lipa City in Batangas; and San Fernando, Lubao Sasmuan and Mexico in Pampanga.