Holcim Mexico is taking bold strides toward industrial decarbonisation through sustained investments and a pioneering circular economy approach. Over the past four years, the company has invested more than CHF 20 million in infrastructure to boost waste recovery and advance its net-zero roadmap.

Since 2024, Holcim has processed more than 100,000 t of scrap tires, integrating them into the production of sustainable cement. Its Hermosillo project in Sonora has become a national benchmark for circular co-processing — fully replacing fossil fuels in the kiln and setting a clear path toward an 85% thermal substitution rate (TSR). This innovative model is now being extended to other plants across Mexico, reducing pollution and health risks while improving energy efficiency.

Through its subsidiary Geocycle, Holcim Mexico is driving a circular co-processing system that transforms municipal solid waste, industrial residues, and biomass into alternative fuels and raw materials. This initiative not only mitigates environmental challenges but also reinforces Holcim’s global ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

One of Mexico’s most critical waste management issues — the handling of scrap tires — has found a sustainable solution in Geocycle’s model. Since its launch, Geocycle has managed over 100,000 t of tires and more than 550,000 t of industrial, commercial, and municipal waste, preventing over 1.5 million t of CO₂ emissions.

Recent milestones include the installation of a new tire shredder at the Hermosillo plant, capable of processing 35,000 tpy of tires. The plant’s TSR has already increased from 52.4% in 2023 to 60% in 2025, with a target of exceeding 85% in the coming years.

“Our project in Hermosillo is just the beginning,” said Oscar Rivas, Director of Geocycle at Holcim Mexico. “We’re scaling this model nationwide, working hand-in-hand with authorities, communities, and industry partners to replace fossil fuels and reach a national TSR of 70% by 2030.”

The Hermosillo initiative has also gained international recognition, winning the ‘Outstanding Alternative Fuel Project of the Year’ award at the Global CemFuels Conference & Exhibition 2025 — the world’s leading event for alternative fuels in cement production.

The project was honoured for its exceptional TSR results and advanced waste-processing technologies that convert used tires into clean energy for cement manufacturing.

“This award confirms that our net-zero strategy is delivering real, measurable outcomes,” said Adrián Belli, Cement Operations Director at Holcim Mexico. “And we’re not stopping in Hermosillo — our Tecomán plant will surpass 80% TSR by the end of the year, positioning Holcim Mexico as a regional leader in sustainable construction.”

With these achievements, Holcim Mexico sets a powerful example of how innovation, circularity, and collaboration can transform industrial processes — proving that sustainable construction and decarbonisation go hand in hand.