China might turn to recycling to meet construction material demands
What's the story
A recent study led by Tsinghua University researchers has found that recycling sand and gravel aggregates from construction and demolition waste, could meet half of China's demand for these materials by 2050. The research highlights the potential of a circular economy strategy in some provinces, which could achieve aggregate recycling rates as high as 65%. This recycling effort could contribute to the projected halving of China's annual aggregate demand by mid-century.
Demand fulfillment
Recycled aggregates to meet future demand
The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications last month, shows that with targeted support, recycled aggregate production could meet a large share of future demand at reasonable recycling rates. Zhu Bing, co-corresponding author of the paper and director of Tsinghua University's Institute for Circular Economy said by 2050, "recycled sand and gravel aggregates are expected to meet 48% of the total national demand for sand and gravel."
Construction essentials
Aggregates are most extracted materials worldwide
Aggregates, which include granular particulates such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, are the main components of construction materials such as cement and asphalt. These are used for making foundations, buildings, roads, and railways. The study notes that aggregates are the most extracted materials worldwide, accounting for half of all globally extracted materials.