Holcim Colombia and Geocycle modernize and expand their processing platform
The modernization and expansion of their waste pre-treatment platform will enable the more efficient transformation of over 100,000 tons of waste annually.
These improvements will support an increase in the thermal substitution rate, with the goal of surpassing 70% by 2030.
Holcim Colombia and Geocycle have modernized and expanded their co-processing platform in Nobsa, Boyacá. This technological upgrade, backed by a 2 million USD investment, will allow for the efficient transformation of more than 100,000 tons of waste per year into a sustainable energy source—delivering a tangible, circular solution for waste that would otherwise end up in landfills across the country.
“This project embodies our ambition to optimize the shredding process and scale up our capacity to replace fossil fuels with truly sustainable and circular solutions,” said Martín Costanian, CEO of Holcim Colombia.
The system upgrade includes the installation of a state-of-the-art shredder with a nominal capacity of over 10 tons of waste per hour, along with new transfer systems and a modern dosing system capable of feeding up to 20 tons of alternative fuels per hour into the cement kiln.
These enhancements will gradually increase the thermal substitution rate of fossil fuels used at the Nobsa cement plant—from 40% in the short term to an ambitious target of more than 70% by 2030.
The alternative fuels are derived from waste materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, and biomass. Their use not only reduces dependence on fossil fuels but also significantly cuts CO₂ emissions and helps lower the volume of waste sent to landfills—a major environmental challenge in Colombia. According to DANE, in 2021 the supply of solid waste and byproducts from production processes totaled 30.31 million tons, of which 82.2% were solid waste. Moreover, the Superintendence of Public Utilities reports that nearly 96% of all waste disposed of annually ends up in landfills, many of which are reaching capacity and pose environmental risks.
“This project delivers real circularity and a practical solution for the thousands of tons of waste that end up in landfills each year,” said José Méndez, Manager of Geocycle. The project took eight months to complete, following over a year of planning, and involved local contractors, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting the development of the communities where it operates.
Holcim Colombia remains committed to building a cleaner, more efficient future, aligned with its purpose of building better with less to decarbonize construction in Colombia.
