Holcim Switzerland processes over one million tonnes of circular building materials for the first time

Figure: Holcim

In its latest Sustainability Update, Holcim Switzerland reviews its progress and outlines how the company is advancing the circular economy in the Swiss construction industry through recycling technologies and the expansion of its circular product portfolio.

In 2025, Holcim Switzerland processed more than 1 million tonnes of circular construction materials for the first time, returning them to productive use. Materials recovered from existing buildings are recycled, processed and incorporated into new products. By systematically recovering and processing these resources, the company aims to reduce its dependence on virgin raw materials.

“We take a holistic approach to the circular economy – not just through recycling, but by systematically returning mineral materials to high-value applications throughout the entire value chain. Our goal is to reduce the need for landfill space and close material loops,” explains François Girod, Head of Circular Economy at Holcim Switzerland.

Progress in CO₂ reduction

To reduce its Scope 1 emissions, Holcim Switzerland is focusing on two main measures: reducing the clinker content in cement and increasing the use of alternative fuels. Clinker is increasingly being replaced with supplementary cementitious materials, including industrial by-products, calcined clays and processed construction and demolition waste.

At the same time, Holcim Switzerland is increasing the use of alternative fuels in the rotary kilns at its three cement plants. According to the company, alternative fuels now account for more than 60 % of the fuel mix, replacing fossil fuels. At the Eclépens cement plant, the kiln is already operating with more than 90 % alternative fuels as part of the Flame project.

Decarbonization project at the Siggenthal cement plant

Holcim Switzerland is pursuing another decarbonization project at its Siggenthal cement plant. The Phoenix innovation project combines various technologies with the aim of reducing the plant's CO₂ emissions by more than 35 % by 2035.

“It is important that we continue with the same spirit of innovation as before. We have achieved a great deal, but we have even more planned: Since 1990, Holcim Switzerland has reduced its absolute CO₂ emissions by 50 %. We are driving forward the transformation of our product portfolio and see ourselves as a partner to building owners, planners and public authorities in translating ambitious goals into construction practice,” summarizes Arnaud De Luca, Head of Sustainability and Advocacy at Holcim Switzerland.

CONTACT

Holcim (Schweiz) AG

Hagenholzstrasse 83

8050 Zurich/Switzerland

+41 58 850 68 68

www.holcim.ch