Circularity & Construction

In brief

Concrete is 100% recyclable after demolition. Recycling concrete from construction and demolition waste (C&DW) reduces dependence on primary raw materials and diverts waste from landfill.

Recycled concrete can be used in three main ways:

As recycled aggregate in new concrete
As recycled aggregate in unbound applications, such as road construction or earthworks
As fine particles from crushed concrete used as secondary raw materials in clinker and cement production (EN 197-6)

The choice of application should balance sustainability, local availability and long-term performance.

Each year, Europe generates 450–500 million tonnes of C&DW, at least one-third of which is concrete. The European Commission is taking action to improve recycling rates through the upcoming Circular Economy Act, which aims to:

Create a Single Market for secondary raw materials
Increase the supply and demand for high-quality recycled materials
Accelerate the shift towards a circular construction model

Our view

Circularity is a key pillar of the cement sector’s decarbonisation pathway and a major driver of resource efficiency. Increasing the use of recycled materials can reduce emissions, lower reliance on virgin raw materials and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable construction value chain.

However, scaling circular solutions requires the right enabling conditions. This includes improving the availability and quality of secondary materials, removing regulatory barriers and ensuring a well-functioning market for recycled products across Member States.

A coherent policy framework is essential to unlock the full potential of circular construction. This includes aligning waste, product and construction legislation, and ensuring that standards and public procurement practices support the uptake of recycled and low-carbon materials.

Strengthening circularity in construction is not only an environmental objective, but also a key element in supporting industrial competitiveness and securing Europe’s resource base.

Circularity & Construction

In brief

Our view

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