From waste to resource

Waste sand utilised in new collaboration

Even though BIRN in Holstebro already recycles 98 per cent of the casting sand in production, the company is always looking for new recycling options for the two per cent of the sand that it cannot reuse. BIRN therefore launched an exciting partnership in 2024 with Y-MatTec, a local high-strength concrete manufacturer, to recycle surplus sand.

BIRN presented a case at Sustain Week in Holstebro Municipality in autumn 2023. The aim of the case was to gather ideas for how to optimise the recycling and use of foundry sand, so that it can continue to be a valuable resource for other companies at the end of its useful life at BIRN. This led to many interesting conversations, and interest from companies that saw potential benefits from using surplus sand from BIRN in their production.

One of these was Y-MatTec, a local Holstebro company, with whom BIRN launched an innovative partnership in 2024 to utilise surplus sand. Using patented technology, Y-MatTec specialises in the development of high-strength concrete – a product that lies between normal concrete and steel in strength and is used in foundations for onshore and offshore wind turbines. Y-MatTec sees exciting potential in using casting sand in its product development:

“We see great potential in BIRN’s surplus sand. While sand can be a challenging material to work with, we have already completed the first tests and look forward to developing a finished product that can make a difference in the market,” says Elo Yde, CEO of Y-MatTec.

Y-MatTec expects to be able to use around 10 per cent of BIRN’s surplus sand in their high-strength cement. The process seals the constituents in the sand, making it safe to use, while also helping to reduce the carbon footprint in production by replacing virgin raw materials.

First product ready in 2025

The project is still in its early stages, but aspirations are high. Y-MatTec is working on finalising cement products
based on BIRN’s surplus sand, and expects to have the first product ready in 2025. BIRN also sees the project as an opportunity
to reduce the need for landfill, and strengthen the company’s focus on sustainability.

“The collaboration with Y-MatTec is a good example of how we can rethink our residual products, and find innovative solutions that create value for both ourselves and our partners. Discussions are ongoing with other potential partners regarding use of our surplus sand in production, so we look forward to continuing this focus area going forward,” says Lars Chr. Kongerslev, Environmental Manager at BIRN in
Holstebro.