Plugging the plastic leakage
The issue of post-consumer plastic leaking into the ocean with devastating consequences on marine life has existed for some time but only recently the rallying call to solve this issue appears to have been firmly heard. As it mines this waste to produce a suitable alternative fuel to fire its kilns, the cement industry could prove to be a key ally. By Dr Vincent Aloysius, INSEE Ecocycle Co Ltd, Thailand.
There are up to 12.8Mt of post-consumer plastics polluting the world's oceans
The cement industry has become a key partner for large players throughout various industrial sectors as they look for waste disposal solutions. As cement kilns provide much-needed waste infrastructure while helping reduce the need for polluting incinerators and landfills, this partnership has a positive impact on the environment. In southeast Asia, where plastics continue to leak into the ocean from landfills and dumpsites, cement kilns could also play a vital role in plugging this leak.
