MIDDLE EAST and recycling initiatives . This is one of the great advantages the LafargeHolcim group has in terms of developing solutions .

“ Its highly state-of-the-art research center in Lyon , France , allows different business units of the group around the world to benefit from its knowledge and experts in key practices . However , the move is very slow here , and it takes a while to get approvals . It requires a lot of involvement , patience , and commitment to achieve what we want to . We are one of the very few , if not the only company to be using alternative fuel in the cement industry .”

The company ’ s motto is ‘ think global , act local ’, and Bestani is keen to stand out from other Saudi businesses with Alsafwa ’ s unique approach : “ The support we get from the group in terms of worldwide supplier panel and Best Cost Countries solutions – a platform based in China helping to source alternatively to European brands – is definitely giving us a step ahead compared to competition , and we always need to keep that advantage .

“ In two years ’ time , we are not going to be doing procurement the same way . Procurement evolves with the needs , and sustainability will change with it . This procurement department wasn ’ t always making use of all these advantages , and I ’ ve had to adapt it to bring it up-to-date . Business isn ’ t static ; we ’ ll be improving all the time .”

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