SCCC unit changes its name

"This change is a major step to assure all of our practices will continue to meet international standards," said Geocycle general manager Ghassan Broummana.

"Moreover, being part of the Geocycle global network, we have a unique line of access to the expertise and experience within our network facilities in more than 35 countries."

SCCC is a unit of the Holcim Group of Switzerland, the world's largest cement conglomerate.

The name change is expected to assure its clients their waste materials will be co-processed in full compliance with all local regulations and environmental standards.

"We aim to set the benchmarks of best practice in waste management in Thailand," Broummana said.

SCCC established EcoSiam, a dedicated business unit responsible for alternative fuels and raw materials, in 2005 at a time when Thailand's industrial-waste output was increasing.

It is estimated that the Kingdom generates more than 10 million tonnes of industrial waste each year.

Under Holcim's policy, SCCC is providing sound waste-management solutions through co-processing in its cement kilns.

Those industrial wastes will be disposed in the kilns without residual ash, under extremely high and stable temperatures of more than 1,800 degrees Celsius.

While the emissions are controlled, the wastes are turned into alternative fuels and raw materials in the cement-making process.

The wastes include plastic, cloth, paint sludge, resins, melamine, contaminated soil and mud, and used tyres.

To Vanchai Tosomboon, SCCC executive vice president for manufacturing, the co-processing of waste materials is an important part of the firm's sustainable-development initiatives.

"Using waste materials in cement production as a replacement to coal will help us achieve reductions in carbon-dioxide emissions, which are a major cause of global warming," he said.

The Nation