More then a decade has passed since Grupo Moyua set itself the goal of achieving complete construction and demolition waste (CDW) management, promoting a sustainable model based on the principles of the circular economy.Thus, Ekotrade RCDs was born in 2012, whose work focuses on the optimization of resources, on the reduction of the consumption of raw materials and on the transformation of waste into recycled materials or new products, thus preventing it from ending up in landfill and generating a greater environmental impact. Ultimately, it is indeed about converting waste into resources, closing the material cycle.
Ekotrade operates in three factories, located in Astigarraga, Zaldibia and Errenteria, where waste collection, storage, classification, crushing and recovery activities are carried out. they are systems designed to maximize the recycling and reuse of materials,achieving recovery rates of up to 95% by weight. Along with this, the company is also responsible for the transportation, treatment and recovery of this waste, for which it has a fleet of 12 trucks and almost 500 collection containers distributed in Gipuzkoa and surrounding areas.
In addition to these services, Ekotrade currently offers 21 products with CE marking, which guarantees compliance with the safety, health and environmental protection standards established by the European Union. These are, on the one hand, recycled aggregates, produced from materials coming from DMC which are classified and treated, allowing their reuse in flooring and in the production of related mixtures and reducing the need for quarry material.
On the other hand, it markets recovered soils which, coming from inventoried plots, are processed using advanced bioremediation techniques to eliminate or reduce contaminants and restore their physical, chemical and biological properties.
ekotrade actively participates in various collaborative research and development projects focused on waste reuse and co-financed by the Basque Government and the European Union. Over the course of this year, the company has allocated more than 400,000 euros for investments in research, development and innovation.In this sense, it is worth noting that Grupo Moyua has its own corporate research and development unit: ETRA.
Participate in projects such as “ultralab”, focused on sustainable cleaning processes using ultrasound; ‘Polilur’, which develops a biopile for the remediation of contaminated land using ‘machine learning’; or ‘Vird’, an clever platform and digital twin to optimize waste recovery plants. Moreover, it recently joined the ‘Berrehun’ project, aimed at the energy recovery of textile waste.
As part of a continuous enhancement process, Ekotrade is committed to constantly investing in machinery focused on optimizing the efficiency of operations and reducing energy consumption, directly contributing to the reduction of its carbon footprint.
Likewise, a new recovery line has recently come into operation to maximize the recovery of plastic, while in the Astigarraga plant an experimental line is being developed for the treatment of contaminated soil for which there is currently no treatment in the countries Basques. .
On the other hand, the complete digitalization of processes is being undertaken through the application of artificial intelligence, a future challenge for our society.
What are the benefits of integrating artificial intelligence into construction and demolition waste management?
Interview with an Expert on Construction and Demolition Waste Management
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. To begin, can you summarize the innovative approaches Grupo Moyua, through Ekotrade, is applying to manage construction and demolition waste effectively?
Expert: Certainly! Grupo Moyua launched Ekotrade in 2012, aiming for complete management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) through the principles of the circular economy. Their strategy focuses on optimizing resources, minimizing raw material consumption, and transforming waste into recycled materials or new products, effectively closing the material cycle and preventing landfill waste.
Time.news Editor: That’s impressive. Can you elaborate on the operational processes at Ekotrade that contribute to such high recycling rates?
Expert: Ekotrade operates three facilities in Astigarraga, Zaldibia, and Errenteria, where they engage in comprehensive waste management operations. These include collection, storage, classification, crushing, and recovery, achieving recovery rates of up to 95% by weight. They have a dedicated fleet of 12 trucks and almost 500 collection containers to service Gipuzkoa and nearby areas.This robust logistics network enhances their operational effectiveness.
Time.news Editor: Ekotrade also provides 21 products with CE marking. Can you explain the importance of this certification and the types of products offered?
Expert: The CE marking signifies compliance with the European Union’s health, safety, and environmental protection standards, which is crucial for trust and quality assurance. Ekotrade produces recycled aggregates from CDW for use in flooring and related mixtures, significantly reducing the need for virgin quarry materials. They also specialize in recovered soils treated using advanced bioremediation techniques, enhancing their quality for safe reuse.
Time.news Editor: It seems Ekotrade is actively involved in research and innovation. Could you tell us about some of their notable projects?
Expert: Absolutely! Ekotrade participates in several collaboration efforts co-financed by the Basque Government and the European Union. They have invested more than 400,000 euros in research, development, and innovation this year alone. Projects like “Ultralab,” focusing on sustainable cleaning using ultrasound, and “Polilur,” which develops biopiles for contaminated land remediation using machine learning, showcase their aspiring goals. they also recently joined the ‘Berrehun’ project, focusing on energy recovery from textile waste.
Time.news Editor: It’s captivating how technology plays a role in waste management. How does Ekotrade integrate digital tools and artificial intelligence into their processes?
Expert: Ekotrade is undergoing complete digitalization of their processes,leveraging artificial intelligence as part of their future strategy. This integration aims to enhance efficiency and optimize operations, which is vital for reducing energy consumption and, consequently, the carbon footprint. They have also recently activated a new plastic recovery line and are developing an experimental treatment line for contaminated soils with no existing solutions in the Basque country.
Time.news Editor: what practical advice woudl you give to readers interested in the sustainable management of construction and demolition waste?
Expert: I recommend that individuals and companies prioritize sustainable practices in their construction projects. This includes engaging with certified waste management companies like Ekotrade that emphasize recycling and recovery. Additionally, always look for opportunities to integrate technological innovations and keep abreast of research advancements in waste management. participating in local environmental initiatives can enhance community awareness and drive change.
time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing these valuable insights. It’s evident that the future of waste management is both promising and actionable!
expert: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make a significant impact in promoting sustainability in our communities.