Scaling Recycled Concrete in Sweden: Technical Advances, Supply Chains and Optimized Logistics for a Circular FlowShow others and affiliations
2025 (English)In: Nordic Concrete Research, ISSN 0800-6377, Vol. 73, no 2, p. 139-161Article in journal (Refereed) Published
Abstract [en]
This study examines the benefits and limitations of different supply chain models for recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), a highly resource- and CO2-intensive material. Focusing on Sweden, it combines material science insights with policy analysis and logistics modelling to assess the potential of RCA in construction. RCA demonstrate strong reuse potential in both bound (new concrete) and unbound (road and backfilling) applications, with life cycle assessments indicating lower climate impacts than virgin aggregates. However, barriers to achieve circularity persist, including fragmented regulations, limited infrastructure, and weak market demand. Using qualitative data from industry actors and quantitative modelling, three scenarios are developed: high-utility reuse of elements, consolidated recycling into bound and unbound applications, and low-utility recycling for backfilling. Results highlight the importance of selective demolition, traceability, procurement models, and strategic placement of concrete material terminals. The study concludes that coordinated policy, logistics planning, and procurement practices are critical to scaling RCA adoption.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Nordic Concrete Federation , 2025. Vol. 73, no 2, p. 139-161
Keywords [en]
Concrete recycling, Crushed concrete aggregates, Recycling, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Material terminals, Sustainability, Circularity
National Category
Infrastructure Engineering Construction Management Transport Systems and Logistics
Research subject
Resource Recovery
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hb:diva-35063DOI: 10.2478/ncr-2025-0023ISI: 001655188000002OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hb-35063DiVA, id: diva2:2030371
2026-01-202026-01-202026-03-05Bibliographically approved