CEMBUREAU welcomes positive steps forward in circular economy package

CEMBUREAU has said it welcomes the circular economy package published by the European Commission yesterday.

The European cement association said the regional industry, which uses alternative fuels for 38.8 per cent of its fuel mix, is pleased to see recognition granted to material recycling which occurs at the same time as energy recovery. Indeed, by taking into consideration material recycling in the cement industry it is possible to boost the recycling rate of certain municipal waste.

“Furthermore, we welcome the emphasis put on the need for sorting systems for construction & demolition waste” states Karl Downey, CEMBUREAU Sustainable Construction Manager. “Fortunately for concrete, recycling is not technically difficult, but better processes for demolition, collection and sorting of C&DWii will help to provide a consistent supply of good quality material from C&DW.”

Other elements of the package supported by the cement industry include the promotion of industrial symbiosis and the recognition of energy recovery as a waste management solution for non recyclable waste.  CEMBUREAU also welcomes the focus on assessing the environmental performance of buildings throughout their entire life cycle. 

Regarding the landfilling of waste, CEMBUREAU believes that more should be done to ban the landfilling of recyclable and recoverable waste. Today, large disparities do exist between Member States with respect to their waste management performance. Although EU funds could contribute to a reduction in landfilling by encouraging other waste treatment options, it is important to ensure that full use is made of existing waste management capacity. As highlighted by Vagner Maringolo, CEMBUREAU Environment & Resources Manager, “existing cement plants that co-process waste should be taken in consideration as a waste treatment solution for residual waste from landfills before funding and developing unnecessary excessive capacity”.