Global Gypsum(GG): What have been the main developments in gypsum recycling in Europe over the past 2 years?Maarten Hendriks(MH): Volume-wise,I can only speak to what is happening at New West Gypsum Recycling(NWGR).We have seen around 25 growth in the volumes of waste wallboard coming to our factories in all of our markets,both in Europe and in Canada.This is clearly a good thing for us,and for the sector as a whole if it is replicated more widely.There is still space to increase volumes within our current capacities,but some plants are now reaching their limits.Locations-wise,Germany and Belgium have seen a particular up-tick in interest from other parties over the past two years.However,these new players are specifically supplying the cement sector,which is not as exacting as the wallboard sector in terms of its requirements.Of course,putting gypsum into cement is not true'cradle-to-cradle'recycling,as once the gypsum enters the concrete,it is bound forever and cannot be recovered in its original form.It is a form of'downcycling.'
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