Holcim launches new cement brand with 30 percent lower carbon footprint

MANILA, Philippines—Holcim Philippines is introducing greener cement to the local market as more builders seek to lower their carbon footprint.

In a statement on Monday (Nov. 22), the company announced the launch of Holcim ECOPlanet, which has a 30 percent smaller carbon footprint than other general purpose cement.

“ECOPlanet’s Philippine launch is timely with construction activity projected to steadily rise to support a growing economy and population, and rising public awareness on the importance of building more sustainably,” the company said.

Holcim ECOPlanet is produced by adding blast furnace slag, a by-product of iron ore smelting to produce pig iron for steel making. Adding slag lowers the clinker content and carbon footprint of cement while enhancing the durability and long-term strength of concrete, the company explained.

“We see a growing interest in building greener structures in the Philippines,” Holcim Philippines president and CEO Horia Adrian said in the same statement.

“ECOPlanet enables us to provide our partners with the best balance of delivering strength and durability while helping make construction more respectful of the environment. It is another key step in our promise to build greener, smarter, and for all in the Philippines,” he added.

Holcim Philippines said it aims for an environmental product declaration for ECOPlanet.

The company said it will also launch a program to collect used ECOPLanet plastic bags for recycling by an accredited facility to support its sustainability commitments.

TSB