Closing the loop
The future of circular (de)construction in Europe
Across Europe, a quiet revolution is reshaping the way we build. The shift toward circular construction is changing buildings from temporary structures into long-term material banks. With innovators like Resulation, materials such as glass mineral wool insulation are no longer discarded after use but recycled into new, high-performance products, proving that waste can be the start of something new.
Why circular construction matters
The European construction sector produces more than one third of all waste in the EU (European Environment Agency, 2020). Combined with the fact that buildings generate around 40% of CO₂ emissions, the need for circular solutions is urgent.
Circular construction tackles these challenges head-on by:
- Designing buildings for disassembly and reuse
- Extending the lifespan of materials
- Reducing dependence on virgin raw resources
- Minimising waste and carbon emissions
The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan recognises the construction industry as a top priority. It sets a target for Member States to recycle or recover 70% of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste by 2025, as defined in the EU Waste Framework Directive.
What circular construction looks like
Circular principles such as material passports and take-back systems are rapidly gaining traction across Europe. When renovation or demolition takes place, materials are increasingly sorted, recovered and reintroduced into production.
That’s where Resulation sets an example. By retrieving and recycling glass mineral wool, Resulation turns discarded insulation into a valuable resource. The process reduces landfill waste, cuts energy use in production and boosts the recycled content of new insulation. It’s a practical step toward circular economy in construction.
Barriers still to break
The transition is moving fast, but challenges remain:
- Quality standards for reused materials are not yet harmonised across Europe.
- Definitions of “recycling” differ per country, complicating measurement.
- Landfill rules and prices differ from one European country to another.
- Digital tools such as material databases and building passports are still scaling up.
More collaboration between builders, recyclers and policymakers is needed to overcome these gaps and create a truly closed loop.
The road ahead
Circular construction is not only better for the planet: it’s good for business. According to the World Economic Forum’s Circularity Gap Report Europe (2024), circular strategies in the built environment could unlock €575 billion in annual value by 2035.
As regulations tighten and innovation accelerates, the sector’s future looks increasingly circular. Companies that embrace reuse, recycling and smart material flows will lead the change toward a more sustainable built environment.
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