Potential for circular economy in the construction sector. An explorative study about single-use masks and sustainable building material based on a customer and construction company survey

Abstract

Background:

With the Covid-19 pandemic, there came a substantial growth in mask usage and therefore mask waste, as many countries introduced obligatory mask wearing in public spaces. Although many institutions have created waste management systems to overcome the overflow of waste created, these were all more in line with “firefighting” strategies than long terms solutions. The systems imposed cause a great amount of negative environmental impact and must be re-examined. As most mask material is non-recyclable, one must find ways to use them sustainably.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the position of consumers and construction companies in regard to innovative and sustainable construction materials, as well as to find out about their behaviour and knowledge in single-use mask waste. A popular idea is the use in construction materials like concrete. This way used masks will be recovered and alternatively reused. For this to happen, there must be a large interest. Construction companies will only act upon these ideas if there is enough commercial interest, and that can only happen if the public is aware of the option. The objective of the study is to see the market size on a small scale.

Methods:

First a literature research was chosen to create a basis of understanding as well as identifying research gaps for the formation of this study. To ensure the quality of the literature review, the respective journals were verified through listings of “Resurchify” and the German “VHB-JOURQUAL 3”. Then in 2023 an explorative online survey of German customers was conducted; the sample consists of 118 people. In addition to consumers, three constructions companies were also examined. The data obtained was analysed with the help of descriptive statistics using. Open answers were clustered and categorized.

Results:

The explorative survey shows that there is not only an interest in sustainable building materials, but also a concern about the mask waste. The survey of construction companies shows, that they were open to the use of new and sustainable materials, specifically when customers appreciate it.

Conclusion:

The data shows a market for sustainable construction materials, as well as a willingness from construction companies to provide these. Practical implications recommend the development of partnerships between companies and research institutions, in order to bring the testing and application side together as well as the necessity of research in material science and (post- use) processing.