The market for recyclable construction materials is experiencing positive momentum, driven by new European standards and the objectives of the Green Deal. According to Eurostat, the rate of recycled waste used in the construction sector reached 12% in the EU in 2023, up from 8% in 2018. Romania, however, remains below the European average, with a rate of just 4.5%, according to the latest INS data, despite growing interest from major urban developers.

The main challenges are linked to the lack of a functional infrastructure for collecting and sorting construction waste, as well as skepticism regarding the performance of recycled materials. Currently, projects that include recycled concrete, refurbished wood, or aggregates resulting from demolition are concentrated in major urban centers, where the pressure for sustainability is higher.

In 2024, the European Commission announced the launch of the Construction 2050 initiative, aimed at accelerating the green transition in the sector. This includes incentives for investment in advanced recycling technologies, standardization of reusable materials, and sustainability certifications tailored to the single market.

The growth in demand for such materials will continue to depend on legislative changes, comparative costs, and the industry’s ability to integrate new requirements into supply chains and construction workflows. Over the next five years, specialists estimate that the recycled materials market could exceed 8% of all construction materials used in Romania.

(Photo: Freepik)