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Growing regulatory and environmental pressure is forcing the construction sector to transition towards more sustainable production models. Recent European directives, including the Green Deal and Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 on Ecodesign, promote the adoption of the circular economy as a key tool for improving environmental performance and reducing resource consumption.
In this context, we have launched the “Remanufacturing” programme, through a PhD in collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano, with the aim of investigating the potential of circular economy strategies applied to the reuse of raised flooring.
Regulatory and technical context
According to European data, the construction sector is responsible for 35% of waste generated and 50% of raw material extraction. The ISO 59000 series of standards, in particular ISO 59010:2024, outlines priority actions for implementing the circular economy, including reuse, maintenance, repair and remanufacturing.
These strategies are particularly applicable to dry construction systems, including raised flooring, which have good residual durability even after the first cycle of use. However, they are frequently replaced due to the need to reconfigure spaces, making more efficient end-of-life management necessary.
The remanufacturing programme
The Remanufacturing programme consists of four operational phases:
- Identification
- Recovery
- Remanufacturing
- Reintroduction to the market
Case study: Ediltecno Restauri (Opera, MI)
The case analysed concerns a strip-out operation in a commercial building, where raised calcium sulphate panels (34 mm) with a reconstituted marble finish were identified. The operations excluded panels that were not completely recoverable (panels cut at the edges) and a portion intended for direct reuse.
The reworking activities involved the complete removal of the existing perimeter edging, replaced with a new ABS edge, and a new squaring of the sides to ensure better dimensional accuracy of the panel, without separation between the cladding and the structural core, which was not technically feasible. The panels underwent static testing for physical-mechanical verification to ensure their original technical characteristics.
Technical assessment and operational benefits
A comparison between the circular scenario and the conventional model highlights measurable advantages:
- Reduction in disposal costs for the client
- Less use of virgin raw materials
- Reduction in the environmental impact associated with production
- Maintenance of the functional performance of the building product
Furthermore, the traceability of materials and the use of information systems to monitor remanufacturing operations are key elements for the effective integration of reuse cycles into the construction supply chain
Critical issues and prospects for development
The adoption of remanufacturing models on an industrial scale requires:
- Standardisation of recovery and reprocessing processes
- Definition of technical, economic and environmental indicators for comparative assessment
- Collaboration between manufacturers, customers, logistics operators and designers
- Integration of technical expertise and innovative organisational models
The scalability of the model depends on the ability to structure integrated supply chain systems capable of managing the product life cycle from design to second life, with approaches focused on durability, modularity and disassembly.
Conclusions
The circular model represents a concrete and replicable application of circular economy strategies in the construction sector. The remanufacturing of raised flooring combines economic, environmental and functional benefits, in line with European regulations and market expectations.
However, for these practices to become systemic, a structural change is needed that involves the entire construction ecosystem, from production to the management of built assets, promoting technically reliable, traceable and legally recognised solutions.
Megiston