Caribbean Cement uses counterfeit cigarettes as RDF

Caribbean Cement Co Ltd has destroyed an estimated JMD400m (US$2.57m) worth of counterfeit cigarettes in its cement kiln, in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Over 600 cases of counterfeit cigarettes were seized by the Intellectual Property Branch of the country’s Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch. 

According to Jamaica Gleaner, the cigarettes, which are a source of refuse-derived fuel, offer a safe alternative to fossil fuels for cement plants. Jorge Martinez, managing director of Caribbean Cement, said the company was not only advancing its sustainability efforts, it was also playing its part of a responsible corporate citizen. 

“Through our Future in Action programme to reduce CO₂ emissions, we are actively looking for alternative sources of fuel. Refuse-derived fuel such as these cigarettes offer that potential,” he said.