CEMBUREAU calls for action on reuse of waste fuels
Published by Lucy Stewardson,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
The European Cement Association, CEMBUREAU, has called on EU member states to take action and promote the reuse of waste as a fuel for cement manufacturing. The call was made during an event that CEMBUREAU hosted during EU Green Week earlier this month. The focus of EU Green Week this year is on the proper implementation and impact of EU environmental laws.
The event was titled ‘Sustainable Solutions: how cement helps recycle everyday waste’ and participants were shown how their everyday waste can reduce fossil fuel use in the cement industry and also become a raw material during its cement manufacturing process. Through co-processing, waste such as crisp packets and used tyres can be reused as an alternative fuel and raw material, while avoiding landfill and incineration.
The volume of alternative fuel use is just one measure the European cement industry is taking to reduce its environmental impact. The sector is also innovating in its production processes and working with researchers and the European Commission to examine ways of bringing revolutionary technologies like carbon capture and storage to commercial viability. Together, they could see the sector’s emissions reduced by 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
“Currently, the European cement industry sources an average of 44% of its fuel from alternative sources,” said Koen Coppenholle, CEO of CEMBUREAU. “However, there is no technological limitation for the cement sector to a reach 60% co-processing rate in 2030 and it could process 15.7 million t of waste. We believe that the EU and member states can help bring this about by introducing legislation to promote co-processing and recognising its place in a revised waste hierarchy within national waste framework laws.
“This EU Green Week has demonstrated how the European cement industry can be at the heart of the circular economy and adds to our wider efforts in enhancing our sustainability and helping to achieve the EU’s ambitious plans for a low carbon Europe by 2050.”
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/27052019/cembureau-calls-for-action-on-reuse-of-waste-fuels/
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