Gypsum end-of-life Best Practice Indicators

Abstract

The use of indicators has become in recent years as a reliable method of evaluation for the decision-making processes [1]. Indicators give quantitative, qualitative or descriptive information about an item and or process [2] , to ease the decisions that will be taken on the basis of their results, in order to optimize the processes that are being measured identifying changes and improvements [3].This study presents a set of Best Practice Indicators (BPIs) aiming to increase the amount of gypsum waste capable of being recycled, as well as to maximize the quality and percentage of recycled gypsum that can be reincorporated in the manufacturing process. Thus, the practices implemented through the whole value chain of gypsum plasterboard have been assessed. That is to say, from the deconstruction dismantling, through the gypsum waste processing, to the resulting recycled gypsum reincorporation into the manufacturing process. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are formulated and used to monitor and compare the five pilot projects conducted in the framework of the Life+ GtoG Project “ From Production to Recycling, a Circular Economy for the European Gypsum Industry with the Demolition and Recycling Industry”.