Plans to launch a new an alternative fuel system at Rugby Cement Works have been greeted with dismay by plant opponents. 

Factory owners Cemex outlined plans to apply to the Environment Agency for permission to trial Climafuel at the Lawford Road plant at a meeting of councillors and interested parties last Friday (June 2).
 
The company says the fuel, which will fuel its cement kiln and consists of household waste such as cardboard, textiles and plastics, will produce a ’solid, clean and non-hazardous fuel’ will help them reduce emissions and waste. 
 
However, Lilian Pallikaropoulos, of campaign group Rugby in Plume, dismissed the meeting as a ’propaganda exercise’ and accused Cemex of trying to bring in the plans secretly. 

Under the system, waste materials will be subjected to a drying and composting process to remove bio-degradable matter, with all recoverable materials removed for recycling purposes. 
 
Ian Southcott, UK Community Affairs Managers with Cemex, said a consultation scheme would be held before any possible trials began.  He said: "The whole purpose of consultation is to provide information and to address concerns. 
 
The company is also seeking permission for an extra trial of using tyres with petcoke, following previous trials of the system earlier this year.