Mexico: Geocycle Mexico aims to process 1Mt of industrial and urban waste into alternative fuel (AF) for use in Holcim Mexico's cement plants in 2023. The El Economista newspaper has reported that the company processed 600,000t-worth of waste in 2022. Geocycle Mexico says that it has helped to raise Holcim Mexico's AF substitution rate to 25%.

The supplier said "Latin America is the region that recycles the least in the world. According to the World Bank, less than 5% of the real capacity we have is recovered. That is why, for 30 years, we have sought to solve this problem by integrating waste into Holcim's production process."

Peru: Grupo Gloria subsidiary Cemento Yura plans to transition its Yura cement plant from using coal to alternative fuels (AF) in its cement production. Additionally, the producer will build a 30MW solar power plant at the site. The Gestión newspaper has reported the total value of the upgrades as US$50m. Both projects are scheduled for commissioning in mid-2025.

In the 2023 financial year, which ended on 30 June 2023, Peruvian cement despatches fell by 8% to 12.6Mt.

Brazil: Votorantim Cimentos has secured a US$150m loan from the International Finance Corporation for an upgrade to its Salto de Pirapora cement plant in São Paulo. The producer aims to increase the alternative fuel (AF) substitution rate at the 4.8Mt/yr plant, and reduce its CO₂ emissions. It says that the loan is tied to sustainability performance indicators (SPIs), based on the reduction in the plant’s Scope 1 CO₂ emissions.

El Salvador: Geocycle has partnered with renewables company AES El Salvador to process end-of-life solar panels for use as fuel in cement production. The partners say that this will ensure circularity for all materials used in supplying El Salvador with renewable energy.

AES El Salvador said “AES applies circularity throughout the value chain of its solar plants, from the generation of renewable energy to the proper management of waste, and ensures that the waste produced throughout its cycle serves as raw material for other products and services. By adopting these principles, it contributes to the sustainable development of the country and promotes a cleaner, greener and carbon-free future for future generations.”