Reuse and recycling of concrete : Economic barriers and possible opportunities for future profitability

Abstract: Today, the world's natural ecosystems are threatened by increased extraction of raw materials andgreenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. One of the drivers of this problem is the impact fromindustries through their production. A possible strategy to reduce pressure on natural ecosystems is toincrease the use of industrial ecosystems. The circular economy is an approach that supports the reuseof products by reusing, recycling and minimising waste. Like a natural ecosystem, waste can beused as an input material for new production. Today, the construction industry contributes to a largeamount of waste, requires a large amount of extracted materials and generates high levels ofgreenhouse gas emissions. One of the world's most widely used construction materials is concrete. Byreusing and recycling concrete, the need for virgin material and waste sent to landfill can be reduced. The aim of the study is to contribute to a better understanding of the current economic barriers andhow different activities could be improved to create economic profitability and stimulate the reuse andrecycling of concrete. Through a literature study of previous research regarding economic barriers ofreuse and recycling of building materials, different circular strategies for the management of concrete,and EU and Swedish legislation, regulations, and certifications for circular economy in theconstruction industry, relevant interview questions could be developed. The interviews represent theresult and answer questions regarding current economic barriers for reuse and recycling of concreteand opportunities for future profitability, as well as exploring the environmental suitability ofdifferent circular strategies in the concrete industry. A total of 10 interviews were conducted withdifferent stakeholders in the concrete and construction industry. The main economic barriers identified in the study regarding reuse of concrete are due to lack ofmarket interest, difficult logistics involving transport and storage of elements, getting an economicflow in the business model, increased labour and quality certification. The most essential economicbarriers to the recycling of concrete are due to a potential risk for the material to be classified as waste,increased transport of materials, planning of material supply, higher cost of recycled materialcompared to virgin material, and regulations that promote high-value reuse. Identified opportunitiesthat can contribute to improved future profitability for both reuse and recycling of concrete arecircular strategies and business models, the ability to demonstrate reduced climate impact,regulations and standards, and new work methods. The interviews have also indicated that different circular strategies for the management of concreteare suitable in different types of projects. The upcycling of materials should not be favoured at anycost if it can be proven that the method of recycling contributes to the need for less virgin material.Circular strategies in the concrete industry should beneficially be included in a CE at the societal level.In this way, synergies can be created, and the use of resources can benefit both the environment andthe economy.