Republic Cement aims to double the volume of plastic bags and sachets it co-processes to at least 10 million every day next year to boost efforts to address the country's waste management crisis.
“Our target is to co-process not less than 10 million sachets or plastic bags per calendar day by 2021,” said Republic Cement President and CEO Nabil Francis in an online press briefing.
Co-processing is the reuse or recovery of thermal and mineral properties of qualified waste materials for making cement.
Francis noted that of the 40,000 tons of waste generated daily nationwide, of which almost a fourth comes from Metro Manila, 50 percent are biodegradables, 30 percent are recyclables, and 20 percent are residual wastes – the target of Republic Cement's resource recovery arm, ecoloop, for co-processing.
“We are trying to close the waste loop by recovering as much as we can. It really requires a change in mindset – to change the way we look at waste and see it as a precious resource,” said ecoloop director Angela Edralin-Valencia.
Key to closing the waste loop is the role of local government units in ensuring proper waste segregation.
Since Republic Cement began co-processing almost two decades ago, it has since partnered with 30 LGUs and private companies, including Nestle Philippines.
“Co-processing is a vital alternative that manufacturing industries can and should take toward the long-term goals of waste management as well as ultimately building our nation’s resilience against climate change challenges through sustainable practices,” said Edralin-Valencia.
While co-processing involves the application of heat to destroy waste, it is distinct from the traditional waste management practice of incineration, according to Valencia.
She explained that the cement kiln co-processing method contains emissions and any ash produced is fully integrated into the stable microstructure of clinker, a key ingredient of cement.
“Republic Cement is proud to do its part in providing a viable waste management solution while continuously working towards a greener and more sustainable cement manufacturing process. Through this, we are confident that we are on the right path in moving toward a greener, stronger, plastic-neutral Republic,” Francis added.