Circular economy
The circular economy is a resilient growth model suited to changes in available resources (scarcity of resources, new energy sources, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions etc.) and to societal changes (urbanization, demographics, etc.). This model exists closest to the markets, at the regional level. Successfully transitioning to the circular economy will make it possible to continue offering solutions and services over the long-term which take into account environmental, labor and societal expectations and which balance well-being, sustainability and performance for stakeholders.
The circular economy is a resilient growth model suited to changes in available resources (scarcity of resources, new energy sources, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions etc.) and to societal changes (urbanization, demographics, etc.). This model exists closest to the markets, at the regional level. Successfully transitioning to the circular economy will make it possible to continue offering solutions and services over the long-term which take into account environmental, labor and societal expectations and which balance well-being, sustainability and performance for stakeholders.
Our strategy to develop the circular economy has the following focus areas:
- evolve products and solutions to reduce the intensity in virgin raw materials and to promote increased integration of recycled or renewable materials, extend their lifespan and facilitate their recycling or reuse in order to reduce the resource intensity of the solutions;
- develop manufacturing processes;
- work with stakeholders to change society and to develop new business models and value chains.
We commit through collective initiatives, such as the Factor 10 program of the WBCSD, to develop the debate.
To manage resources and eliminate non-recyclable raw materials
We commit to optimize our usage of resources and to eliminate non-recyclable raw materials in order to participate to the construction of a business model respectful of natural resources and biodiversity.
Our long-term ambition: not producing any non-recovered production waste and maximizing the recycled content of its products. We believe that waste should be considered as a strategic resource and that recycled or bio-sourced materials should be used whenever possible as a substitute for non-renewable virgin resources.
Developed in 2015, our sustainable resource management thematic policy aims to promote the responsible management of resources to facilitate the transition to the circular economy. First and foremost, the good performance of a site can thus be defined as the most effective way to optimize the resources used. This performance is also reflected in the reduction of the impact attributable to the use of resources throughout the life cycle of our products and services
Organizing the circular economy: recycling and waste recovery
We commit to a responsible approach of waste prevention and management, in order to achieve our objective: “zero non-recovered waste”.
In line with our health policy and in compliance with local regulations, the management of hazardous waste is closely monitored to protect the health of employees, residents, customers and users of our products and services.
By encouraging cross-functional actions and synergies between our various industrial and distribution business lines, we are committed to providing innovative solutions and seizing opportunities related to the challenges of respectful management of materials, processing and efficient waste processing.
FIGURES
- 10 100 Mt of natural raw materials saved in 2020 (sand and gypsum)
- 26,3 % of reduction of non-recovered waste since 2010 at iso-production / 2025 Objective: -50 %
