PHV’s wet processing solution washes natural product and waste material
In its bid to increase material supply, reduce dependency on outsourced materials, and preserve the lifespan of its quarries, PHV commissioned a dual-processing wash plant that processes both quarried and waste materials. At present, PHV requires more sand and aggregate material to feed its 31 cement platforms than can be produced from its own two quarries. This is forcing the firm to outsource material which is a costly process.
The solution, provided by CDE, promotes self-sufficiency and the circular economy in Lyon. The 250 t/h plant, which is designed and engineered by CDE processes different feeds including quarried material and excavated soils. Incorporated into the plant is CDE’s ProPressTM sludge dewatering system as well as the AggPulseTM wet density aggregates separator, both of which are the first of these technologies to be installed in France.
Philippe Ville, Owner of PHV said that this plant is key in achieving their self-reliance goals. “Our biggest challenge at the minute is ensuring we have enough material to feed our many cement platforms, and this plant allows us to process waste material, which supports us bringing more material to the market. Not only that, but we have also seen a shift in demand for recycled product with more and more contractors putting sustainability at the centre of their projects, and we want to move in line with our customers. This plant is only the beginning of this journey. CDE has designed a solution that is scalable, as eventually we want to be processing more waste than natural material. In addition, a rainwater storage system will be in place from summer 2026 to optimise water management on site and support the facility’s operational ramp-up. We are delighted to see the plant in action and to continue working with CDE as we progress forward.”
The project benefits from a solid regulatory and financial framework. A prefectural decree published on 17 December 2025 confirmed its compliance with environmental and land use planning requirements. The development is also supported by several public subsidies, including grants from the Region, ADEME and the Water Agency, demonstrating the strategic importance of the project for the region’s ecological transition.
Thibault Vandecaveye, Business Development Manager for France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg at CDE added: “At CDE, we’re committed to helping our customers contribute to the circular economy, and we’re proud that PHV chose to partner with us. This strategic investment in dual wet processing technology supports PHV in advancing the circular economy in Lyon. This versatile solution is helping to ease pressure on natural resources by recovering viable products from waste streams, while also processing virgin product to extend the lifespan of quarries. We are delighted that our ProPress and AggPulse technologies are in the French market, and that the team at PHV is trusting our innovative technologies to support them in working towards its business goals.”
