Cementos Pacasmayo moves towards sustainability with eco-friendly innovations.

Cementos Pacasmayo has taken a significant step towards sustainability in the construction industry by focusing on reducing its carbon footprint through eco-friendly solutions. In a global context where environmental concerns are increasingly relevant, the company has developed an Eco-Efficient portfolio aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of its operations. This commitment is critical, as the production of clinker, the main component of cement, is responsible for the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). Claudia Bustamante, the Sustainability Manager at Cementos Pacasmayo, explains that the company has worked for 26 years on creating quality products that are also environmentally responsible. Among these products are blended cements, which replace part of the clinker with raw materials that generate a smaller carbon footprint, such as pozzolana, slag, and limestone. This change is not only beneficial for the environment but also responds to market demand for more sustainable options. As part of this sustainable approach, EcoSaco was introduced to the market in 2022, an innovative cement bag that fully integrates into the mix and leaves no waste. This product has allowed up to 70% of a construction site to be built in an environmentally friendly manner, and its use has saved approximately 4.5 million bags per year, equivalent to 572 tons of waste. This initiative demonstrates how a simple innovation can have a significant impact on waste reduction in the construction industry. The company is also committed to the Cement Roadmap of Peru, a strategy that seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of the sector. Cementos Pacasmayo aims to achieve a clinker/cement ratio of 67%. The blended cements Extraforte and Fortimax are already very close to this target, with an approximate value of 68%. This progress underscores the company’s commitment to continuously improving its efficiency and sustainability. In a country where the economy has shown modest growth, as indicated by the lowest positive figure of the year in June, initiatives like those of Cementos Pacasmayo are crucial not only for the environment but also for the local economy. The company has launched the "Concrete Dream" program, which aims to improve the infrastructure conditions of homes in the areas of influence. This program focuses on installing concrete floors in homes that currently have earthen floors, thereby improving the quality of life for families. With the participation of over 1,200 families and 5,000 beneficiaries this year, the program has delivered 24,000 bags of cement and replaced more than 39,000 square meters of earthen floors with concrete floors. This work not only helps improve the habitability of homes but also generates a positive social impact by providing better conditions to the communities in which the company operates. Cementos Pacasmayo's commitment to sustainability is a clear example of how companies can integrate eco-friendly practices into their business model. By adopting technologies and processes that minimize their environmental impact, the company is leading the way towards a more sustainable future in the cement industry. The strategies implemented by Cementos Pacasmayo reflect a long-term vision that goes beyond mere productivity. This demonstrates that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand, benefiting both the company and the community. As the country faces economic and environmental challenges, examples like that of Pacasmayo provide a model for other companies in the sector to follow. As the world moves towards a more sustainable model, it is the responsibility of each company to analyze its environmental impact and take concrete steps to mitigate it. Cementos Pacasmayo is not only taking significant steps in this direction but is also inspiring others to follow its example. Reducing the carbon footprint in cement production is an ambitious goal, but with the collective effort of the industry, it is an achievable objective.