Resource valorization is the process of transforming by-products from industrial activities into valuable resources. This practice supports environmental sustainability and economic growth and innovation. At Lhoist, we aim for responsible resource valorization, particularly with our primary resource, limestone.
Resource valorization involves reusing, recycling, repurposing and commercializing by-products into new products such as raw materials, chemicals, fuels, or energy sources. This process is essential for maximizing the utility of resources.
Environmental impact: Reduces by-products and minimizes the environmental footprint of industrial activities.
Economic benefits: Converts co-products into valuable products, saving on operational costs and creating new revenue streams.
Circular solution: Supports the circular economy by ensuring resources are reused and recycled.
Innovation: Encourages the development of new processes and technologies.
Customer satisfaction: We strive for zero unvalorized materials processing. By valorizing such resources with useful properties, we meet our customers’ needs and provide products that contribute to innovative solutions. This generates great value for our clients and partners, enhancing long-term business activity.
Environmental management: By integrating resource valorization into our operations, we can help reduce environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. All our quarries adhere to meticulous long-term plans, ensuring responsible environmental management and sustainable service to our customers.
To reach our ambition, we start identifying unvalorized materials as soon as they are generated. Then, we continuously work to decrease co-products generation by, for instance, investing in new kiln technologies. We also work on improving process control and optimizing start-up procedures with the objective of maximizing production in first grade specification. Finally, we strive to recycle co-products directly into the calcination process or to further process them through hydration or briquetting.
Our aim is to eliminate non-valorized materials entirely. This requires innovative thinking and a shift in mindset, viewing unvalorized resources as opportunities. Our philosophy aligns with our zero-harm safety ambition, striving to ensure that every resource is utilized to its fullest potential. By integrating resource valorization into our operations, we contribute to more sustainability and a circular economy.