The Fruit of our energy
Açai is a native Brazilian fruit of which 80% of its composition is pit, which ends up discarded in the environment after consumption. Votorantim Cimentos transformed this residue into fuel, using this biomass as an energy source. Communities, small farmers, and suppliers in the State of Pará collect the açai pits. After a drying process, they arrive at the plant to replace part of the petroleum coke, a fossil fuel used in cement production kilns. This innovative co-processing implemented by Votorantim Cimentos in the region reduces CO2 emissions, generates jobs and income for local communities, developing the whole value chain.
Watch video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9_1UhaxFSM
http://www.votorantimcimentos.com/en-US/sustainability/case-studies/Pages/Acai-the-fruit-of-our-energy.aspx