DURA VERMEER AND C2CA REDUCE CONCRETE CO2 EMMISSIONS THROUGH INNOVATIVE UPCYCLING OF CONCRETE WASTE
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – A collaboration between Dura Vermeer and C2CA will slash CO2 emissions by an estimated 30,000 tons annually through the upcycling of concrete waste. The innovative process not only yields upcycled gravel and sand, but also generates a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) that can replace cement in the production of new concrete. The fact that Dura Vermeer and C2CA are also responsible for activating this ultra-fine cement fraction themselves is unique in the construction sector. A first facility located in the Rotterdam region will have the capacity to process 150,000 tons of concrete waste each year. The new joint venture company positions itself as a pivotal supplier of circular aggregates and a reactive binder for new concrete projects in the Netherlands. The facility is anticipated to commence operations in the second quarter of 2025.
Pieter Niemantsverdriet, Director Dura Vermeer is very proud and enthusiastic and about this advancement: “Dura Vermeer has a clear goal in mind: halving CO2 emissions by 2030 and zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Circular construction is an important solution for this, with which we can really make an impact. The long-term collaboration with C2CA is therefore a big step towards Net Zero. Not only for our own projects, but for the whole construction branch. Such important innovations also underline the role of the Netherlands as a sustainable innovation country.”
Thomas Petithuguenin from C2CA adds: “To meet the climate objectives, it is important to take real steps now. The biggest CO2 reduction in our industry can be achieved by offering alternatives to primary cement. And that's what we do! We are pleased that we have found a solid partner in Dura Vermeer to realize our joint ambitions.”.
Putting emissions into perspective
Cement production accounts for 7 percent of global CO2 emissions, with the construction sector consuming half of all raw materials in the Netherlands. Furthermore, the industry is responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption and one-third of total CO2 emissions. Given that half of all building materials are concrete, the sector's contribution to climate goals and emissions reduction is paramount. Presently, a mere 5 percent of concrete rubble is recycled at a significant level, with the majority relegated to low-level reuse. Conventional recycling methods do not produce an SCM, resulting in minimal CO2 reduction when reused in new concrete. However, Dura Vermeer and C2CA's cutting-edge facility promises substantial CO2 reduction by repurposing concrete waste.
Innovative upcycling process
This is possible with the new installation of Dura Vermeer and C2CA. The upcycling process commences with the intake of pure concrete rubble, which is then meticulously processed into original fractions of gravel, sand, and cement paste. In the final processing stage, the recycled cement paste is activated into a reactive binder (SCM). These circular concrete materials will be supplied to concrete producers, enabling the production of circular concrete with much lower CO2 impact.
About Dura Vermeer and C2CA
Founded in 1855, Dura Vermeer is a family-owned construction company committed to shaping a greener, better, and more sustainable future. By entering into innovative collaborations, the company continuously works on sustainable solutions that add up to zero emissions by 2050.
C2CA (Concrete to Cement & Aggregates), established in 2016 by TU Delft and GBN, is a leading Dutch tech startup dedicated to driving innovation in concrete recycling. As the developer and patent holder of the technology underpinning high-quality concrete recycling facilities, C2CA aspires to make a significant global impact by collaborating with partners to establish similar plants worldwide.
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