CDE to host new waste recycling conference in Brussels

(IMAGE: CDE)

The event will bring together materials processors, legislators, technology providers and other industry professionals to discuss challenges and opportunities related to mineral waste recycling and the circular economy.

According to CDE, CIRCLE 2025 is an evolution of its previous Circular Driven Economy Symposium, last held in London prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. That event attracted participants from academic institutions, research bodies, the European Commission, and international construction and manufacturing firms.

Eunan Kelly, CDE’s head of business development for Europe, said: “Natural resources are rapidly depleting. This is widely known and accepted. A conscious effort is absolutely needed to manage these resources wisely. CDE is leading the charge in this field, particularly in Europe where the legislative landscape is swiftly evolving, but rising to an industry-wide challenge requires a collective effort to close the gap.”

Eunan said the event would provide a space to share knowledge and examine how recovered materials can be better integrated into the construction supply chain.

“Recycled and recovered materials won’t ever offset all of the demand, but, where we can, we should be supplementing raw materials with recycled products that can achieve the same end results,” he said.

“For years, overburden, scalpings, and crushed rock fines – by-products of the quarrying process often miscategorised as waste – have been stockpiled, meanwhile construction, demolition and excavation wastes have been landfilled. There’s millions of tonnes of it readily available.”

He added: “The market needs solutions that can drive down operational costs while creating new and sustainable revenue streams. Right now, many countries across Europe rely on imports of critical raw materials. The extraction and processing of these materials can be costly, both in economic and environmental terms. Factor into this broader climate commitments and we have a real confluence of challenges.”

“CIRCLE 2025 will bring together the best minds to help unravel the complexities of these competing priorities to rewrite the narrative around waste and shape the future of mineral waste recycling.”

CDE said further details and speakers will be announced in the coming months.