Gypsum can be recycled repeatedly while maintaining material performance
With EASY ECO, RIGIPS offers solutions for the recycling of gypsum boards and gypsum fibre boards, enabling the recovery and reuse of gypsum materials
Gypsum can be recycled. Its quality remains intact even after multiple recycling cycles. Until recently, however, the majority of gypsum waste ended up in landfills. The revised landfill ordinance, which came into effect at the beginning of 2024, put a stop to this. Since then, old gypsum has had to be processed and returned to the material cycle. With EASY ECO, RIGIPS has launched an initiative that makes construction with economical and resource-efficient system solutions easier and more transparent. A key part of the initiative is the promise to builders and users of Rigips and Rigidur gypsum and gypsum fibreboards to take the material back after deconstruction and return it to the recycling cycle. Further information on the various recycling and recovery options provided by the drywall specialist can be found on the dedicated service page: www.easy-eco.org.
Gypsum is an essential raw material in the construction industry, with several million tonnes used each year. Gypsum is a key component of many building materials. Processing gypsum waste and using recycled gypsum conserves valuable natural resources, saves landfill capacity and actively supports environmental protection.
Gypsum can be recycled. Its quality remains intact even after multiple recycling cycles. Until recently, however, the majority of gypsum waste ended up in landfills. The revised landfill ordinance at the beginning of 2024 put an end to this.
Today, sustainability, climate protection and the circular economy are issues that cannot be ignored. The construction sector, in particular, is under pressure as it is one of the most resource-intensive industries. Gypsum is an especially indispensable raw material for the construction industry, with several million tonnes used annually. Gypsum is a key component of many building materials. Processing gypsum waste and using recycled gypsum conserves valuable natural resources, saves landfill capacity and actively supports environmental protection.
Gypsum boards – sustainable and recyclable
“Rigips boards are made from the natural raw materials gypsum and FGD gypsum, as well as cardboard,” explains Alexander Geissels, Sustainability Project Manager at Saint-Gobain. “Our boards represent environmental compatibility, healthy building and, moreover, high-quality, pure gypsum recycling. New, high-quality gypsum products can always be made from gypsum with no loss of quality. This creates a closed recycling loop from once-mined natural gypsum. This is what sets gypsum apart from many other building materials. As part of the energy transition, the demand for recycled gypsum will increase significantly in the future due to the shutdown of coal-fired power plants, as less FGD gypsum produced during industrial flue gas desulfurisation will be available. Our aim is therefore to continuously increase the quantities of recycled gypsum within the scope of technical possibilities and utilise its potential to the fullest extent.”
With EASY ECO, RIGIPS offers simple and sustainable solutions for high-quality recycling of gypsum boards and gypsum fiberboards. Find out more at www.easy-eco.org.
Further information on recycling, compiled by Rigips, can be found at: www.rigips.de/rigips-nachhaltigkeit-recycling. Important aspects regarding the valuable raw material gypsum can also be found in a four-minute video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkp7Z5llVIQ.
Photos/Images: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH
EASY ECO: high-quality gypsum recycling
With EASY ECO, RIGIPS has launched an initiative that aims to make the construction process as transparent and straightforward as possible for everyone involved. The diverse, economical and climate-friendly offerings include the collection of construction site waste, which is carefully processed before being fed back into the production process. After an online order, the waste is collected within five to seven working days in specially filled dry and pure containers.
Material return after deconstruction
A key part of the initiative is the commitment to collect materials after deconstruction and return them to the recycling process. From 1 July 2023 onwards, the manufacturer promises to take back all Rigips gypsum boards and Rigidur gypsum fibreboards installed. Construction projects and the products used only need to be registered at www.easy-eco.org. The user — typically the planner, architect, or contractor — will then receive a manufacturer's declaration for the return of the digital or analogue construction file.
Further information on recycling, compiled by Rigips, can be found at: www.rigips.de/rigips-nachhaltigkeit-recycling. A four-minute video on important aspects regarding the valuable raw material gypsum can also be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkp7Z5llVIQ.
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
Recognised as a system provider by construction professionals for its high-quality drywall construction solutions, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibreboards, profiles, accessories and high-performance joint fillers and compounds. These certified solutions are ideal for interior and exterior drywall constructions, providing highly effective fire and sound protection for maximum safety and comfort. A wide range of services complements our comprehensive product and system portfolio to support the planning and execution of even the most demanding construction projects. At the same time, RIGIPS is committed to environmental responsibility, focusing on sustainable climate protection and the conservation of natural resources. For instance, gypsum board recycling options increasingly close material cycles, while product packaging made from recycled materials reduces the need for primary raw materials. RIGIPS is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group.
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
As a global leader in lightweight system solutions, Saint-Gobain develops, produces, and distributes materials and services for the residential, non-residential, and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions combine benefits such as take-back programs and recycling schemes designed to recover materials and support resource conservation, while maintaining high levels of performance. The Group is guided by its purpose: "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".
46.5 billion euros in sales in 2025
More than 162,000 employees represented in 80 countries
Commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions by 2050, with interim targets
Find out more about Saint-Gobain at www.saint-gobain.de and follow us on
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