The European Committee for Standardization (CEN and CENELEC) has officially approved the document regarding the processing of SRF (Solid Recovered Fuels) in accordance with ISO standards. The committee has established an average formula for calculating the amount of SRF in clinker, with the intention of extending this to other products in the future. This will provide greater clarity on the portion of SRF that is converted into cement and thus recycled.
“This is excellent news for us, Lithuania, and the whole of Europe – we are one step closer to considering SRF, or at least a part of it, as a raw material. The committee has confirmed that, when producing clinker from waste, not only is energy generated, replacing fossil fuels, but part of the waste, in the form of ash, becomes part of the clinker, thereby reducing the need for natural resources. As a result, a portion of the waste is recycled and ultimately transformed into a new product – cement,” says Algirdas Blazgys, CEO at Energesman.
According to the formula approved by the committee, we calculate the recyclability index for each batch of SRF. Based on data from our plant, currently, an average of 10-15% of the SRF mix contributes to clinker production, which then becomes part of the cement at the AB Akmenes Cementas plant, while the remaining portion is used for energy production.
The document also confirms that different materials can be used in SRF production, which may impact the recyclability index. Therefore, we continually conduct research and measure which material combinations are most suitable for cement production and achieve maximum waste recyclability.
Thus, through innovative yet rational approaches, we are contributing to a more sustainable and greener future.