Concrete columns with 100% recycled sand mark new milestone in concrete recycling

Renewi and Holcim close the loop: from concrete rubble to concrete column 

Waste-to-product company Renewi and building materials manufacturer Holcim are taking a major step together toward circular dike reinforcement. In the production of the innovative Basalton concrete columns, all naturally extracted sand is completely replaced by recycled sand from Renewi, derived from concrete rubble. This sand is KOMO-certified for use in concrete. The new concrete columns are used by the Department of Public Works and various water boards, among others, in projects for dyke reinforcement and flood protection. 

Concrete is one of the most widely used materials worldwide and responsible for a significant portion of CO₂ emissions. Millions of tons of concrete waste are generated in the Netherlands every year. By high-quality recycling this waste into raw materials for new concrete, we preserve scarce raw materials and significantly reduce the ecological footprint of the construction industry. 

Collaboration as a prerequisite for success 

The collaboration between Renewi and Holcim demonstrates that high-quality concrete recycling on an industrial scale is feasible. The recycled sand was washed and separated with Renewi's advanced recycling technology and used for new concrete columns - from concrete rubble to product. In the process, the materials remain suitable for future recycling even after the concrete pillars have reached the end of their useful life.  

Towards higher levels of circularity 

The Netherlands is currently mainly at a level where only gravel is recovered from concrete rubble. Renewi is among the few companies where both gravel and sand are recovered for new concrete. The company continues to work on innovations to take concrete recycling to an even higher level. 

Tenders should reward circularity 

“The technology is proven, but the market must now follow,” says Jan-Pedro Vis, Director of Circular Materials at Renewi. “When clients demand that contractors work circularly - from demolition to using circular raw materials, we can really scale up to a circular economy.” 

“The chain can only really close if clients structurally include circularity in their award criteria, ”stressed Jan Wagner, Managing Director at Holcim Bouw & Infra Nederland. “The cooperation with Renewi shows how chain partners strengthen each other. By working together on solutions that are technical and certified, we are bringing our ambition of 100% circularity in 2035 closer.” 

The innovative concrete columns show that technology, quality and cooperation bring us one step closer to a circular concrete supply chain.