Domestic cement manufacturers said they are investing in sustainability initiatives to respond to the Expanded Producers Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 or Republic Act No. 11898, a landmark environmental legislation that mandates companies to be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their packaging waste – from production and use to post-consumer recovery, recycling and disposal.
This was shared by the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) at the recent gathering of cement industry leaders and delegates from across Asia for the 71st Asia Cement Producers Amity Club (ACPAC), held last week in Manila. Close to 90 delegates attended the event, which focused on promoting best practices and sustainability in the industry.
CeMAP President John Reinier Dizon, who welcomed the delegates, delivered the Philippines’ Country Report, which highlighted market demand drivers, new capacities in the country, and challenges faced by the industry, notably the continuing imports despite current overcapacity.
The country report highlighted the domestic cement industry’s role in supporting the EPR law, particularly through co-processing technology, partnership with local government government units (LGUs) and other industries, and circular economy.
To push sustainability initiatives, the report said that cement manufacturers are investing to use co-processing in kiln to thermally destroy plastic waste at high temperatures (up to 1450oC). This method has zero ash or no harmful residue making it an environmentally sound alternative to landfilling and incineration.
CeMAP members are also in partnership with other industries and LGUs. For instance, the report said that companies like Republic Cement, Holcim Philippines and Concreat Holdings Philippines have launched and partnered with waste recovery programs with local governments.
To contribute to the circular economy, they are also integrating waste materials into the cement manufacturing process, the industry reduces reliance on traditional fuels and lowers carbon emissions.
Meantime, Dizon also reiterated their challenges in the market like experiencing an overcapacity of more than 51 million metric tons, well above the estimated domestic demand of 35 MTPA.
They are also navigating other issues such as rising import pressures, and a strong push for sustainability.
During the conference, majority of the ACPAC members shared they are also facing a slowdown of demand in their markets and facing low utilization. In Indonesia, for instance, the government imposed a moratorium on launching new cement capacity projects to partially mitigate the market slowdown and low utilization. Taiwan shared that they were able to secure antidumping duties on Vietnam exports in its country. Thailand shared the highlights of its Net Zero roadmap and encouraged other countries to follow.
“As we face regional volatility in demand, climate responsibility, rising energy costs and urban growth, ACPAC’s collaborative spirit is more vital than ever,” said Dizon.
The Manila meeting concluded with the handover to next year’s host country, Taiwan. There is a renewed commitment from member countries to work toward shared climate goals and strengthen the economic role of cement in nation-building across Asia.
