Holcim Canada to utilise K-Cup® packs as an alternative fuel

Holcim Canada has introduced a service to utilise K-Cup^® packs as an alternative fuel at the Joliette cement plant in Quebec. The packs are collected from institutional and commercial clients of Van Houtte Coffee Services Inc., a subsidiary of Keurig Canada Inc., the Canadian business unit of Keurig Green Mountain, Inc. They are then sent to the cement plant where they are processed and reused.

The initiative will prevent the K-Cup^® packs from going to landfill while also helping the Joliette plant to reduce its dependence on traditional fuels and lower carbon emissions. According to Keurig Green Mountain Inc., 1 t of K-Cup^® packs produces 30% less CO₂ than the fossil fuel it replaces.

The agreement is in line with the sustainability goals of both Holcim Canada and Keurig Canada Inc.

“We have a responsibility to drive sustainability and by providing innovative solutions, the opportunity to enable the industry to operate more sustainably. Using alternative fuels is an important and effective tool to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and improve our CO₂ profile. Reclaiming used K-Cup^® packs helps us to meet the ambitious objectives we’ve set,” stated Robert Houde, General Manager of Geocycle, the Holcim Canada division responsible for alternative fuels.

“Innovation is at the heart of our actions and addressing the environmental impact of Keurig^® brewing systems is a critical priority,” said Stéphane Glorieux, President of Keurig Canada Inc. “The partnership between Holcim Canada and Van Houtte Coffee Services Inc. is a creative example of what is possible when like-minded companies start working together towards a common environmental goal.”

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/11122014/holcim-canada-launches-alternative-fuel-initiative-with-van-houtte-coffee-services-1002/