Argos and Veolia Drive Innovation in Barranquilla with Waste-to-Fuel Technology
What if the waste we discard today could become tomorrow’s energy? With that vision, Argos — the cement company of Grupo Argos — and Veolia launched a groundbreaking pilot that is transforming how Barranquilla, one of Colombia’s principal cities, manages its municipal solid waste. The initiative aims to convert everyday waste into alternative fuels for Argos’s Cartagena plant, marking a decisive step toward large-scale circularity and long-term sustainability.
Over six months, the project will process nearly 3,000 tons of waste per month and recover about 1,000 tons that would otherwise end up in landfills. It also brings together an ecosystem of partners across all stages, from collection to energy recovery, creating an integrated and efficient model for waste management.
According to Carlos Horacio Yusty, Vice President of Argos Regional Colombia, the partnership with Veolia provides “a real and scalable solution to the waste challenge,” helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening urban waste management, and optimizing production costs. Judith Buelvas, Country Director of Veolia Colombia–Panama, emphasizes that producing refuse-derived fuel (RDF) “accelerates national decarbonization goals and reinforces Veolia’s commitment to a sustainable future.”
The pilot directly supports Argos’s strategy to reach 35% alternative fuel substitution at its Cartagena plant by 2030, advancing a cleaner, more circular, and resilient cement industry.
Success Story 1: Revenue and Savings from Co-processing in Honduras
Turning Waste into Sustainable Value
At the Piedras Azules plant in Honduras, we took a decisive step toward more efficient and environmentally responsible operations. Through the co-processing of 4,745 tons of waste — including tires, refuse-derived fuel (RDF), used oils, expired medications, paper, and cardboard — we achieved a 6.9% thermal substitution rate, significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels.
- The economic and environmental impact was remarkable:
Approximate savings of USD 156,000 through the substitution of traditional fuels. - Over USD 120,000 in revenue from providing waste co-processing services to third parties.
This circular model not only optimizes costs and generates new income streams, but also helps reduce emissions and promote responsible waste management across the country.
At Argos Honduras, we are proving that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Success Story 2: ECO-Friendly Portfolio – Cement That Builds a Sustainable Future
Innovating to Build with Purpose
During the lasts years Argos Honduras strengthened its commitment to sustainability by expanding the ECO-Friendly Seal—first launched in 2023—to its entire product portfolio. This seal ensures compliance with more than 25 environmental indicators, each designed to minimize the ecological footprint of our operations.
Key sustainable practices include:
- Co-processing of waste and the use of tires as alternative fuel.
- Hydrogen injection to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
- Responsible water management, optimizing its use throughout production processes.
The results speak for themselves:
- Over 350,000 tons sold of ECO Multipurpose Cement.
190,000 tons of Structural Cement. - A 16% growth in Vial Cement, in just its second year on the market.
With these achievements, Argos Honduras reaffirms its leadership in sustainable construction solutions— proving that the future of cement can be greener, more innovative, and deeply committed to the planet.