As gravel, sand, and crushed stone become scarce and costly, recycling options remain largely untapped.

The demand for gravel, sand, and crushed stone is surging, leading to significant price hikes. Despite advanced recycling technologies, only about 15% of construction projects utilize recycled materials. This shortfall poses challenges for critical infrastructure projects in Germany, where the depletion of natural resources is becoming increasingly evident.

Industry experts warn that lengthy approval processes for new extraction sites exacerbate the situation, resulting in longer transport distances and higher CO2 emissions. The price of concrete has skyrocketed from approximately 60 euros to 150 euros per ton, reflecting the broader trend of escalating construction costs. While private builders are turning to recycled materials, public projects lag behind due to lingering skepticism.