Cement Industry Urges Policy Backing For Waste Co-Processing
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Global industry organisations have issued a joint call for stronger policy support to scale up cement industry co-processing as a solution to the growing crisis of non-recyclable and non-reusable waste.
In a joint statement, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), European Composites Industry Association (EuCIA), International Solid Waste Association – Africa, Mission Possible Partnership and the Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council (WtERT) said cement kilns can play a critical role in sustainable waste management worldwide.
GCCA Chief Executive, Thomas Guillot said cement industry co-processing is a safe, effective and circular waste management solution.
“Despite its proven benefits, wider adoption of co-processing depends on effective regulatory frameworks and supportive public policy,” he said in a statement.
Co-processing allows waste to replace fossil fuels in cement kilns while recycling residual ash directly into cement products, creating a zero-waste process. The approach targets contaminated and non-recyclable waste streams, complementing recycling systems and reducing reliance on landfills and new disposal infrastructure.
The practice is already recognised in regions including Europe, India, Latin America and North America, operating under strict environmental and safety standards. However, adoption remains uneven globally due to regulatory and policy gaps.
The organisations urged governments to formally recognise co-processing in waste policies, streamline environmental permitting, incentivise waste collection and pre-treatment, and count recycled material from co-processing toward national recycling targets. They also called for fiscal incentives and public-private partnerships to support long-term investment.
Global waste generation is estimated at 11.2 billion tonnes annually, with uncontrolled municipal waste projected to reach 1.6 billion tonnes by 2050, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Poor waste management contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and public health risks.
The signatories said co-processing offers a scalable pathway to divert waste from landfills, cut fossil fuel use in cement production and transform waste into a productive resource—if supported by coherent and aligned policies.
-- BERNAMA