Newsroom
  • Xella.com
  • Contact
  • en
  • |
  • de
  • News
  • Press
    • Media Library
  • Themes
    • Company
    • Digitalization
    • Innovation
    • People
    • References
    • Sustainability
  • About
Search
  • en
  • |
  • de
  • News
  • Press
    • Media Library
  • Themes
    • Company
    • Digitalization
    • Innovation
    • People
    • References
    • Sustainability
  • About

Circularity in Action: how Silka Leftovers are reintegrated into production

Last year, our Silka plant in Hillegom, the Netherlands, introduced an innovative circularity process to minimize waste and reduce raw material consumption. By reintegrating crushed residues into production, the plant has already made significant ecological and economic strides.

10 January, 2025

From Waste to Resource: the New Circularity Process

Did you know that all Xella products are designed with sustainability in mind? After showcasing examples of circularity with AAC in Germany and Belgium, we now turn to our Silka brand of Calcium Silicate Units (CSU). Driven by Xella’s ambitious sustainability targets, the Silka plant in Hillegom has developed a fully operational system for reusing production leftovers, turning them into valuable resources. Since May 2024, this system has transformed previously unused residues, such as defective products, into valuable resources.

"Granite is a major component in our CSU products and replacing it with granulates made from our own leftovers has both ecological and economic benefits," explains Paul de Weers, Plant Manager in Hillegom. To date, 3,500 tonnes of crushed leftovers have been reintegrated into new CSU production. This represents a significant step toward achieving Xella's target of a closed circular economy.

A Streamlined and Sustainable Process

The process is as efficient as it is innovative. Leftovers are sent to an external crusher near the plant, where they are transformed into 12mm granulates. These granulates replace up to 15% of granite in the production recipe. Transport emissions are also minimized thanks to the plant’s proximity to a canal, enabling eco-friendly deliveries by boat. This milestone demonstrates that circularity is achievable not only with AAC under the Ytong brand but also with Silka CSU, underscoring the versatility of sustainable solutions within Xella's portfolio. As de Weers highlights, "Every single ton of leftover material still stored on-site will eventually find its way back into production."

The plant’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t end here. This year’s focus will include enhancing safety measures and optimizing autoclaves for a more efficient and energy friendly way of operation. Hillegom’s achievements in circularity reflect Xella’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste, conserving resources, and leading the way in sustainable construction.

Share this news

E-mail page Print page

More sustainability news

  • Let’s plant pines campaign: 3,000 new trees

    In April, a unique environmental action by Xella Poland took place at the Ostrołęka Forest Division. The employees from the Ostrołeka plant, from the Warsaw headquarters, and their families joined

    View more
  • Climate change: How autoclaved aerated concrete and calcium-silicate blocks cope with flooding

    Sometimes massive construction has massive advantages. After all, building sustainably also means adapting to extreme weather events such as flooding - especially when it comes to subsequent drainage.

    View more
  • Best practice: Circularity at the Kolubara plant in Serbia

    Xella is well on the way to achieving an important milestone in circularity: by 2025, no AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) leftovers will end up in landfills. The Kolubara plant in Serbia demonstrates

    View more

Links

 

Links

  • Company
  • Digitalization
  • Innovation
  • People
  • References
  • Sustainability
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube

Introduction

2024 Xella International. All rights reserved.

Links

  • General Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Imprint
  • Terms of Use