Solutions Name
Recycling-Estrich
Offer Type
Solution offer
Description
As part of our product development efforts, we have created a recycled screed that applies the principles of the circular economy directly to screed construction. The objective was to make mineral construction materials from existing material cycles technically usable again, thereby sustainably reducing the consumption of primary raw materials, landfill volumes, and CO₂ emissions.
The recycled screed is based on the targeted processing and reuse of recycled mineral materials, which are incorporated into the screed formulation.
It uses a 100% recycled aggregate obtained from quality‑controlled concrete recycling (RC Type 1), certified in accordance with the German Substitute Building Materials Ordinance. The focus was placed not only on ecological impact but also — and above all — on technical suitability for everyday use under real construction conditions. For us, it was essential that the recycled screed be comparable to conventional systems in terms of application, strength, shrinkage, and durability.
To verify this under real‑world conditions, the recycled screed was installed in a concrete single‑family house project as a screed on a separating layer, in accordance with DIN 18560‑2 and DIN EN 13813. It was monitored and documented technically over several months. During this phase, various parameters were continuously observed and evaluated, including shrinkage, material stability, and behaviour during drying and use. The aim of this monitoring was to obtain reliable results for practical implementation and further system refinement.
Nominal Characteristics
Nominal screed thickness: 40 mm
Flexural strength: F4
Surface loads: ≤ 5 kN/m²
Point loads: ≤ 4 kN/m²
In addition to developing the recycled screed, the production and transport of the material are carried out using a mobile, autonomous, fully electric and fully automated mortar plant. The use of this technology reduces both the environmental impacts associated with materials and those linked to production processes.
Compared with conventional fuel‑powered installations, the fully electric drive significantly reduces CO₂ emissions and noise during screed production and installation on site. According to an external expert assessment, the production unit used achieves an 85% increase in energy efficiency.
The combination of a recycled screed and fully electric production technology therefore enables a more resource‑efficient, cleaner, and quieter implementation process — fully aligned with the principles of a sustainable circular economy in the construction sector.
Themes
Recycling TechnologiesSustainable construction and renovation
Geographic zones
Luxembourg
Who is the solution for?
Private homeowners, housing cooperatives, real estate developers, architects, and planning firms; public sector clients; companies in the field of sustainable and circular construction; construction projects focused on sustainability, resource conservation, and ESG criteria
Environmental benefit
The CO2 impact is directly proportional to energy consumption.
Environmental impact gain - continued
Environmental Performance Indicator 1:
Reduction in the consumption of primary natural raw materials through the use of 100% recycled aggregates from quality-controlled concrete recycling (RC Type 1).
Environmental Performance Indicator 2:
Reduction of mineral construction waste and landfill volumes by returning concrete demolition material to the building materials cycle in accordance with the principles of a circular economy.
Environmental Performance Indicator 3:
The fully electric drive system of the mobile mortar plant contributes to lower CO₂ emissions during the production and application of the recycled screed.
Environmental Performance Indicator 4:
The electric drive system of the production plant reduces noise emissions during construction site operations.
Solution type
Product
Solution maturity level
Real system completed and qualified by tests and demonstrators (TRL 8)
How does the solution work?
The recycling of screeds is based on the reuse of mineral materials derived from the recycling of demolition concrete. Tested and certified recycled aggregates (RC Type 1) are incorporated into the screed mix and technically adapted to meet the requirements of a conventional screed system.
The solution was implemented in the form of a decoupled screed, in accordance with standards DIN 18560-2 and DIN EN 13813. It demonstrates that it is possible to replace natural aggregates entirely with recycled materials whilst maintaining technical performance comparable to that of traditional solutions.
Key features:
100 per cent recycled aggregates derived from recycled concrete;
compliance with regulations governing alternative construction materials;
application validated as part of a real-world construction project;
installation in accordance with current standards;
reduction in the consumption of natural resources;
technical performance comparable to that of conventional screeds.
Technical specifications:
nominal screed thickness: 40 mm;
flexural strength: class F4;
permissible surface loads: ≤ 5 kN/m²;
permissible point loads: ≤ 4 kN/m².
This solution contributes to the circular economy in the construction sector by reusing materials from demolition projects, whilst meeting the technical and regulatory requirements of modern structures.
If applicable, what is the added value compared to conventional solutions?
Compared to conventional screed systems, this solution reduces the demand for natural raw materials through the use of recycled materials sourced from existing recycling streams. At the same time, mineral construction waste is put to good use rather than being sent to landfills.
The technology developed thus combines environmental benefits with the technical requirements of a modern screed system and enables the practical implementation of the circular economy in the construction industry.
Have you already implemented this solution for an industrial client/a local authority? If so, can you name a client who would be willing to testify about the implementation of your solution?
No
Has your solution been labeled, certified, a winner of a competition/award, etc.? If so, please specify (e.g., Solar Impulse Foundation label, Greentech award, etc.)
No
Location
Grevenmacher
