Imagine the ocean with more plastic than fish. The United Nations Environment Program has warned that the scenario could be the reality thirty years from now if pollution levels continue at their current rate.
One measure that has fast gained traction among environmentally responsible companies to address the great ecological challenge is “plastic neutrality.” The concept involves the recovery of plastics equal to what the company has produced. Collected plastic wastes are then recycled or co-processed.
Taking the lead in co-processing plastic wastes is Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc. Republic Cement partners with companies looking to balance their plastic footprint through cement kiln co-processing, an alternative waste management solution that torches waste materials such as plastics at 1450°C in a kiln chamber, recovering from them thermal and mineral properties that provide the energy needed to produce cement.
Any emissions from the process are filtered and monitored by the minute to abide by standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In the Philippines, the more common waste disposal methods are landfilling and chemical treatment. Co-processing, a sustainable waste management solution, is more advantageous as it completely recovers the energy and minerals coming from wastes. “With more Filipino companies embracing the plastic-neutrality concept, we are confident that we are making strides for a greener, stronger Republic,” said Nabil Francis, Republic Cement Services, Inc. CEO. “Ultimately, this is about preserving the environment for Filipinos for generations to come.”
This year, Republic Cement celebrates three partnerships with companies looking to become plastic neutral.
In February, Hope marked its first anniversary of plastic neutrality. After their efforts of building classrooms using eco-bricks from post-consumer plastic proved to be insufficient in attaining their goal of having a balanced plastic footprint, the makers of the Hope in a Bottle offset their plastic packaging materials consumption against post-consumer plastics by co-processing at Republic Cement’s cement kilns.
Republic Cement also teamed up with Nestle Philippines in May. Nestle globally announced last year its commitment to make 100% of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. The company’s vision is that none of its waste ends up in landfill or as litter.
Achieving the vision entails three focus areas: developing the packaging of the future; helping shape a waste-free future through collection and recycling; and driving new behaviors and understanding on waste.
Earlier this month, two companies under the Century Pacific Group (CPG) also tapped Republic Cement to achieve its push to become plastic neutral by 2020. Century Pacific Food (CNPF) and Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures (PIZZA), alongside Republic Cement, have agreed to co-process recovered post-consumer waste and convert it to energy as alternative fuel in producing cement.
A CRH-Aboitiz Company, Republic Cement has five cement plants and one grinding station in the Philippines to go along with more than 60 years of experience in cement manufacturing.