Leading industry organisations have called for stronger policy support to accelerate the adoption of cement industry co-processing as a sustainable solution for managing non-recyclable and non-reusable waste. In a joint statement, bodies including the Global Cement and Concrete Association, European Composites Industry Association, International Solid Waste Association – Africa, Mission Possible Partnership and the Global Waste-to-Energy Research and Technology Council highlighted the role co-processing can play in addressing the growing global waste challenge.
Co-processing enables the use of waste as an alternative to fossil fuels in cement kilns, while residual ash is incorporated into cementitious materials, resulting in a zero-waste process. The approach supports both energy recovery and material recycling, complements conventional recycling systems and reduces reliance on landfill infrastructure. It is primarily applied to waste streams that are contaminated or unsuitable for recycling.
The organisations noted that co-processing is already recognised in regions such as Europe, India, Latin America and North America, operating under regulated frameworks to ensure safety, emissions control and transparency. However, adoption remains uneven globally, with some plants achieving over 90 per cent fuel substitution while others lack enabling policies.
The statement urged governments and institutions to formally recognise co-processing in waste management frameworks, streamline environmental permitting, incentivise waste collection and pre-treatment, account for recycled material content in national targets, and support public-private partnerships. The call comes amid rising global waste volumes, which are estimated at over 11 billion tonnes annually, with unmanaged waste contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution and health risks.