Integration of circular economy principles in industrial dismantling

Introduction

The circular economy, a sustainable economic model that aims to minimize waste and the extraction of natural resources, is based on the premise of recycling and reuse of materials and resources. In this context, industrial demolition and dismantling are significant for the transition to a more circular economy. This article will examine how the integration of sustainable practices offers solutions that benefit both industry and the environment, enhancing the industry’s commitment to global sustainability.

Defining industrial dismantling

This is a process that involves dismantling, removing, and managing structures, equipment, and materials from facilities at the end of their useful life or when they are no longer profitable. It is a frequent activity in environments that seek to recover and conserve as much of the original material as possible, characteristic of industries committed to the circular economy.

The effective execution of dismantling is done through thorough assessments and the development of detailed schedules and planning. Adequate logistics and knowledge of the infrastructure and specifications of the materials involved are essential. In this way, optimal sorting and storage of raw materials prior to processing is achieved, ensuring efficient material recovery.

As time goes by, facilities reach the end of their useful life, representing a challenge in terms of reconditioning; that is why dismantling is justified for several reasons, such as lack of profitability, the emergence of more efficient and environmentally friendly construction techniques, and the need for effective industrial waste management.

When the reconversion of an industrial facility is not possible, dismantling becomes the first alternative to free up space and create opportunities for new projects. Implementing sustainable and efficient dismantling practices requires trained personnel who can perform safe activities in these risky processes.

Principles of the circular economy

As natural resources are becoming scarcer and the environmental impact of industrial activities is increasingly evident, the circular economy is a viable and necessary alternative for a sustainable future. This economic model, as opposed to the traditional industrial recycling model of “extract, use and dispose,” seeks to ensure that companies maintain the value of materials and resources throughout their life cycle, through the principles of reduction, recycling, and reuse.

It is a process designed to be regenerative and sustainable, prioritizing the long-term well-being of the planet’s resources; applying these principles requires a profound change from product design to waste management. Applying the principles of the circular economy is fundamental to:

1. Preserve and enhance natural capital: Control and balance the use of renewable and non-renewable resources.
2. Optimize resource efficiency: Maximize the use of products and materials throughout their life cycle.
3. Promote system efficiency: Eliminate negative factors in process and product design.

At the industrial level, the principles of the circular economy aim to reduce the negative consequences at any stage of an asset’s life cycle and preserve its maximum value. By implementing these principles, drivers are generated that increase efficiency, minimize waste, and improve sustainability.

How does industrial dismantling fit into the circular economy?

Industrial dismantling is a strategic ally in the transition to a beneficial circular economy, facilitating the recovery of materials, the reduction of waste, and the promotion of a more sustainable production and consumption model. This process drives industrial transformation by fostering sustainability models and increasing the re-use of second-hand equipment, thus promoting a more sustainable economy.

One of the main drivers for sustainable dismantling solutions is the need to control the environmental impact generated by this activity. By reusing and recycling materials, the value of resources is maximized and the principles of the circular economy are met.

The principles of industrial dismantling in the circular economy are:

1. Waste prevention: Proper dismantling prevents complete equipment from ending up in landfills, which reduces the amount of waste generated and promotes efficient industrial waste management.
2. Materials recovery: Through careful dismantling, valuable materials such as metals, plastics, wood, and electronic components that would otherwise be lost are separated and recovered.
3. Reuse and revaluation: Recovered materials are treated and reused for the manufacture of long-life products, decreasing the demand for new raw materials. Functional components can be revalued and sold on the second-hand market, increasing the reuse of equipment.
4. Reduced environmental impact: Reusing materials and minimizing waste reduces environmental pollution, deforestation, and energy consumption associated with the extraction of new resources.

Benefits of the circular economy with industrial dismantling

The circular economy offers an alternative model to the traditional “extract materials, transform them into manufactured goods and discard them after use”. Dismantling provides benefits in terms of environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

• Waste reduction: Waste generation during dismantling is minimized. Meticulous processes for separating and recovering valuable materials reduce waste in these projects by up to 80%, preventing large quantities from ending up in landfills.
• Recovery of valuable materials: Generation of additional income through the sale of reusable components, as well as reducing the carbon footprint and other negative environmental impacts.
• Positive impact on sustainability: The application of circular economy principles in industrial dismantling promotes sustainability and facilitates compliance with environmental regulations. Sustainable practices support greener economic development.
• Economic opportunities: Dismantling offers savings by allowing the reuse of products, promoting the creation of new business models and markets, generating employment, and stimulating innovation in new dismantling techniques.
• Social benefits: Economic growth derived from the reuse and regeneration of materials improves well-being and social cohesion. A cleaner environment, with less waste and pollution, contributes to public health and a better quality of life.

The circular economy is presented as a strategic and beneficial model for industrial dismantling, promoting sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact through the efficient use of resources, generate economic value, and promote social welfare.

Dismantling methods aligned with the circular economy

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are improving industrial dismantling methods. As the world shifts toward more sustainable practices, the dismantling industry is adapting by developing innovative and automated techniques to reintegrate recovered materials into new production cycles, fostering regenerative and sustainable economic models.

Waste and demolition management in the construction industry, including materials such as asphalt, bricks, and concrete (ABC), plays a significant role in the circular economy. These materials can be recycled and reused in a variety of ways to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource efficiency.

For example, crushed asphalt can be reintegrated with aggregates and emulsifiers to form new pavements, or used as a gravel base in road and embankment construction. Similarly, bricks and concrete can be crushed and used as recycled sand and aggregate, thus closing the life cycle of these materials within the circular economy.

The following video shows a construction and demolition waste disposal and recycling system. Source: GEP ECOTECH.

The main dismantling methods are mentioned below:

• Selective Deconstruction: A meticulous process that prioritizes the reuse and recycling of materials over conventional demolition, which is more destructive and generates more waste.
• Manual disassembly: This is an ideal method for handling delicate components, ensuring their integrity for future applications. It is usually linked to selective deconstruction.
• Systematic disassembly: Facilitates the separation of components, promoting the complete recovery of valuable materials. It is a process that includes initial sorting, disassembly of removable parts, and separation of components by material type.
• Robotic demolition: A process that uses advanced technology for controlled and precise demolition, improving safety and efficiency. Demolition robots’ ability to access confined spaces and operate in hazardous environments makes them ideal for these tasks.
• Techniques with precision cutting technologies: Techniques such as laser and plasma cutting allow precise separation of components, minimizing damage to recoverable materials.
• Virtual dismantling and digital planning: Building information modeling (BIM), digital twins, and other computer-aided design (CAD) tools are increasingly used to plan and simulate this process before it physically takes place.

Dismantling, guided by the principles of the circular economy, offers a route for the efficient recovery of materials, ensuring that the processes are economically viable and responsible to the planet and society. The choice of method depends on the materials involved, the complexity of the structure, and the economic and environmental objectives of the project. The implications of implementing sustainable industrial dismantling practices are significant.

In the following video, you can learn more about waste separation processes and technology. Source: Van Dyk Recycling Solutions.

Case studies: Industry application

Composite dismantling technologies¹: By 2025, composite waste is expected to reach 683,000 tons, especially from sectors such as aeronautics and construction. The dismantling and valorization of these complex and costly materials. In response to this, the Aitiip Technology Center has developed a robotic platform that uses pressurized water cutting for on-site dismantling and integrates a “digital twin” system to optimize human-robot collaboration in materials recycling.

Towards sustainable dismantling

Sustainable dismantling is significant in reducing environmental impact in various industrial sectors, especially in construction, shipbuilding, oil and gas, and aeronautics, where large volumes of materials are handled. The methods applied in this type of dismantling seek to minimize waste and maximize the reuse and recycling of materials.

Strategies for green dismantling

• Planning and design for deconstruction: Involves designing buildings so that they can be easily disassembled or adapted in the future, using simple structural systems and modular components that facilitate disassembly and reuse of materials.
• Durable materials: Priority is given to the use of materials that are easily recovered and reused or recycled, reducing the need for new resources and reducing waste.
• Minimizing the use of materials: Implement construction techniques that reduce the number of different materials used and make connections visible and accessible for easy disassembly and reuse.
• Careful deconstruction: This perspective involves dismantling buildings piece by piece, prioritizing the safeguarding and reuse of useful components for other projects.
• Construction and demolition (C&D) waste management: Effective waste management includes practices that reduce landfill and incinerator disposal, which creates employment and economic activities in the recycling industries, provides business opportunities within the local community, and conserves landfill space.

Conclusions

Industrial dismantling, aligned with the principles of the circular economy, represents an opportunity to move towards a greener future. Through the adoption of practices that maximize the recovery and recycling of materials, industries minimize their ecological footprint and improve efficiency and profitability.

Implementing these practices requires a profound change in industrial culture and operations, focusing on the long-term well-being of the planet and future generations. The transition to more sustainable dismantling is urgent and, as shown, is fully possible with collaboration between governments, industry, and society. There is also a growing interest in improving recycling methods for materials recovered during dismantling.

“If you want to be part of the change, start by adopting more responsible habits in the dismantling processes. Reduce waste by reusing, recycling, and repairing.”

Referencias

1. AEMAC, Asociación Española de Materiales Compuestos. Demostración de tecnologías de desmantelamiento de Composites. Retrieved July 10, 2024 from https://www.aemac.org/demostracion-de-tecnologias-de-desmantelamiento-de-composites/