VLS Environmental Solutions expands in Texas

VLS Environmental Solutions, a Houston-based environmental services and compliance company, has unveiled plans for an alternative engineered fuel (AEF) waste processing facility in New Braunfels, Texas.

The company says this greenfield project advances its strategic expansion goals, strengthening its role as a leader in sustainable waste management and increasing its capacity to manage the increasing need for sustainable waste processing solutions from industrial partners.

Strategically situated between Austin and San Antonio, the new facility is set to begin operations by mid-2026. It will support Zero Landfill initiatives for manufacturing by converting hard-to-recycle industrial byproducts into carefully engineered AEF products, which VLS says are a cleaner, more sustainable fuel source designed to reduce landfill reliance and replace carbon and natural gas fuels used by cement kilns and gasifiers. The company’s Zero Landfill programs divert more than 1 million tons of industrial waste annually.

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“This greenfield facility is about fostering partnerships for sustainable solutions,” says VLS President Keith Cordesman. “Establishing our presence in New Braunfels puts us in a strong position to deepen our relationships with local manufacturers, particularly cement kilns, and sets the benchmark for sustainability in the region.”

As part of its growth initiative, the company also announced two senior-level hires who will help drive its ambitious capital project and greenfield strategy. Jim Waisanen has joined as senior vice president of capital projects. Waisanen brings more than 20 years of experience in the specialty and hazardous waste sectors. Monica Johnson has joined as vice president of project management, with a background that includes managing more than 300 projects while at Vopak North America.

“Our goal is to lead the next era of environmental innovation,” says Rob Wheatley, chief strategy officer for VLS. “The New Braunfels facility not only signifies the expansion of our capacity but serves as a testament to our long-term commitment to scalable, impactful sustainability solutions. Leading the market in this region demonstrates our proactive approach to driving change.”