Gypsum to gypsum (GtoG): The European Life+ project that aims to transform the gypsum waste market

Abstract

The GtoG project is working for creating a recycling culture of gypsum products, changing the way this waste is usually treated in construction, renovation and demolition works, with the aim of achieving higher gypsum recycling rates in Europe and promoting selective deconstruction practices. For this purpose and under the leadership of Eurogypsum (the European Plaster and Plasterboard Manufacturers Association) five demolition companies, one demolition consultant, two gypsum waste processors, five plasterboard manufacturers and three academic partners, from 7 European countries, work together constituting the project consortium. A preliminary study on current practices was completed in 2013. Subsequently in 2014, a set of demonstration activities on deconstruction, processing of gypsum waste and reincorporation of recycled gypsum were conducted. Finally, during this year 2015, different results have been delivered, such as the European Handbook of best practices for controlled deconstruction of gypsum systems and the Report on best practice indicators for deconstruction, recycling and reincorporation practices. The final results will include an Inventory of best practices and the Roadmap for the future implementation of a sustainable value chain.