Valortec: 20 Years of Expertise in Hazardous Waste Treatment and Recovery
Founded in 2006 to meet the Ortec Group’s hazardous waste management needs, Valortec is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Over the past two decades, the company has grown steadily, continuously adapted to regulatory changes, and developed solutions rooted in a circular economy approach.
On September 18, Valortec will bring together its long-standing customers and key waste collection partners, who have supported its development for many years. This anniversary event marks an important milestone for the Ortec Group subsidiary, founded in March 2006 and now operating two sites: one in Berre-l’Étang and the other in Rognac.
“Originally, the Ortec Group created Valortec to gain greater control over the management of the waste it collected,” recalls Laurent Fiodière, Director of the Treatment and Recovery Department. Its mission was to treat and recover industrial waste collected by Ortec Industrie agencies around the Étang de Berre.
60,000 Tons of Waste Treated and Recovered Each Year
Twenty years later, the subsidiary’s scope, capabilities, and purpose have evolved considerably. “In a highly competitive environment, we have continuously developed our tools and know-how. We reached 20,000 tons during the first ten years, then increased from 20,000 to 60,000 tons during the second decade,” says Laurent Fiodière.
Today, Valortec treats and recovers nearly 60,000 tons of hazardous waste every year. The facility relies on experienced teams (including employees who have been part of the journey since the very beginning) and on modern installations that are regularly upgraded to keep pace with regulatory developments. . “Our activity is based on managing two types of waste: bulk liquid waste and packaged hazardous waste,” explains Kévin Neuraz, Director of the Valortec Rognac agency. The on-site laboratory identifies and analyzes incoming materials, determines the appropriate treatment route, and ensures full traceability.
A Tailored Solution for Every Type of Waste
Liquid waste – a mixture of water, hydrocarbons, and sediment – accounts for 50,000 tons each year and comes from across France and Europe. “We separate the different components – water, hydrocarbons, and sediment – through several treatment stages, including heating, chemical demulsification, centrifugation, and filtration. This enables us to recover hydrocarbons as regenerated fuel oil, while the sediment is used as a component in the production of solid recovered fuel for energy-intensive industries working to reduce their carbon emission. The separated water is then treated at Valortec’s wastewater treatment plant using physico-chemical and biological processes.
Upon receiving the packaged hazardous waste, representing 10,000 tons per year from France, Europe, Africa, and overseas territories, Valortec identifies, analyzes, and depackages it. Once depackaged, liquid, pasty, and solid materials are sorted by chemical family. They can be then treated on site, used to produce solid recovered fuel for the cement industry, or sent to the most appropriate treatment centers, whether operated by the Ortec Group or by other specialized providers in the sector.
Each solution is designed to maximize waste recovery, keep final disposal to a minimum, and prioritize energy or material recovery pathways. “By doing so, we support industrial companies in managing their waste responsibly, while turning regulatory and environmental constraints into opportunities for recovery,” concludes Kévin Neuraz.
Regenerated Fuel Oil Certification
In January 2026, Valortec obtained ISCC+ (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) for its regenerated fuel oil. This voluntary, independent, and globally recognized certification system promotes sustainable, fully traceable supply chains rooted in the circular economy. For Valortec, this certification recognizes its ability to transform waste into alternative fuel.
A Low-Carbon Transition Already Underway
2021
Scope 1 emissions were reduced by 66% after the boiler’s fossil fuel (methane) was replaced with 100% biomethane.
2022
Scope 1 emissions were reduced by 90% after the fossil fuel used by our heavy-duty vehicles was replaced with 100% biofuel (XTL produced from fats and oils)
2023
Our transport subcontractor partners joined a three-year strategic plan to reduce their carbon emissions and decarbonize freight.
2024
2,350 m² of photovoltaic panels, assembled in France, were installed. 90% of the solar power generated is used for self-consumption, covering around 20% of the site’s energy needs.
Our 2030 carbon emissions reduction pathway was validated by the SBTi:
- Scopes 1 & 2: 46% reduction in absolute emissions
- Scope 3: 50% reduction in emissions per million euros of value added
CO₂ emissions were reduced by 80% through the use of biofuel for our light vehicles and worksite handling equipment.
Employees using light vehicles received eco-driving training.
2025
Our alternative fuel received ISCC+ certification, confirming that it meets the international sustainability standard and is produced from waste within a circular economy model.
