Cement manufacturer Holcim’s Sri Lanka unit says its big, high temperature kilns can be used to burn-off industrial waste, especially oil generated by ships.

"We’re looking at how we can help Sri Lanka clean up its industrial waste," said Peter Spirig, Holcim Lanka managing director and CEO.

"Now the authorities do not know of how to dispose it. We can use our kilns."

Burning industrial waste oil can help save energy for the company and reduce net emissions into the environment.

"The capacity of our kiln to destroy all kinds of residues is virtually 100 percent," Spirig said at the launch of the firm’s first Sustainability Report last Wednesday.

Holcim Lanka has a limestone quarry and the island’s only fully integrated cement factory in Puttalam in the north-west, making a million tonnes of cement a year. It also has a grinding plant near the southern port of Galle.

The Sustainability Report said the major share of Holcim’s community investment is in sustainable ventures of four types – health and safety, education, housing and infrastructure, and livelihood support.

The company helped tsunami victims by building 670 homes and reconstructing seven schools in seven districts around the affected coastline.