Market analysis of recycled sands and aggregates in NorthWest Europe: drivers and barriers

Construction and demolition wastes (C&DW) are estimated at one third of total wastes generated in the European Union (EU) and represent the main flux in volume. Inert materials (e.g. concrete, bricks, tiles and ceramics) constitute the largest fraction of construction and demolition wastes. These wastes can be recovered as secondary raw materials after a recycling process resulting in the production of recycled sands and aggregates (RS&A). The market for RS&A is however complex and sensitive. It can be affected by many parameters and may be very variable from one region to another. A quantitative analysis of some market variables is carried out in five NW European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. For achieving this analysis, attention is paid to the following data/parameters: generation of inert construction and demolition wastes, production of RS&A and production of natural sands and aggregates. Since the market of recycled products is also governed by transportation costs, the study has compiled data on the density of recycling plants for construction and demolition wastes, the density of pits and quarries extracting natural materials, the density of inert landfills and taxes applied for C&DW landfilling. National/regional legislation and requirements are also included in the analysis. Based on the compiled data and objective reasons, the market of RS&A is more developed and more suitable in the Netherlands and in Flanders (North of Belgium) than in the other investigated countries/regions.