RDF Production for the Cement Industry

Euro Separadora is a significant player in the waste management sector in Portugal, specialising in the collection, sorting, transport and recycling of waste streams from industry and commerce, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), and construction and demolition waste. One of the company’s key strategic goals is the production of alternative fuels for energy-intensive industries. Since 2025, Euro Separadora has relied on an industrial shredder from UNTHA to achieve this goal.

"In the past, we were unable to recycle these waste materials. But since we started using the UNTHA XR3000C, we have been able to efficiently process all types of C&I waste – including plastics, waste wood and textiles – into substitute fuels for the cement industry," explains Avelino Dias, Founder and Managing Director of Euro Separadora.

XR3000 with C-cutting system

Euro Separadora’s requirements for the shredder included a throughput capacity of 10 tonnes per hour, high operational reliability, energy-efficient drive technology, low operating costs, and comprehensive service and maintenance support. "The XR3000 with the C-cutting system perfectly met Euro Separadora’s requirements. The single-shaft shredder is designed to process a wide range of materials, including plastics, waste wood, textiles and WEEE. In addition, our team supports the company by servicing and supplying spare and wear parts. We therefore offer a complete solution – from consulting and shredding technology to lifelong service," says Luis Silva, Product Manager at UNTHA Ibérica.

UNTHA Ibérica equipped Euro Separadora with an XR3000C industrial shredder, powered by two 132 kW motors. The C-cutting system with three rows of knives ensures efficient and consistent shredding of heterogeneous waste streams. Approximately 10 tonnes of C&I waste per hour are processed and converted into a homogeneous RDF output. The shredder is also equipped with a discharge conveyor belt and an overband magnet that automatically separates ferrous metals from the shredded material. These metals are returned to the recycling loop, while the remaining material is marketed as refuse-derived fuel. The RDF is used in the cement industry as a non-fossil energy source, helping to reduce CO₂ emissions, conserve resources and improve the sustainability of cement production processes.

Another advantage of the UNTHA XR3000C is its high flexibility. If Euro Separadora decides to process additional waste streams or produce different RDF specifications in the future, the shredder can be easily adapted. For example, the number of cutting teeth can be adjusted or different perforated screens can be installed to control particle size. "We are very satisfied with both the machine and the service. Our goal is to operate the XR in two shifts and produce around 1,000 tonnes of RDF per month," adds Lina Cruz, Production and Laboratory Manager at Euro Separadora.

Further features that position the XR series among the most efficient industrial shredders on the market include easy operation and maintenance, low operating and energy costs, and minimal dust and noise emissions. Designed for intensive continuous operation, the robust construction of the XR3000C ensures high resistance to contaminants, safe processing, and minimal downtime.

Images for download (reproduction for press purposes free of charge, image credit: UNTHA shredding technology GmbH) https://untha.canto.de/b/ONIS2

Image 1: Euro Separadora processes C&I waste into RDF with the UNTHA XR3000C

Image 2: (from left) Ricardo Días (Euro Separadora), Luis Silva (UNTHA) and, Avelino Dias (Euro Separadora)

Image 3: UNTHA XR3000C – equipped with a discharge conveyor belt including a magnetic separator

Image 4: The UNTHA XR produces a homogeneous output material, ideal for use as RDF