Trust as the key to circular construction materials
10 September 2026The transition to a circular economy requires more than technical solutions alone. To apply secondary raw materials successfully and responsibly, trust, transparency and societal acceptance are also essential.
Kees van der Plas, Manager Product Development and Innovation at De Hoop Terneuzen, discussed this topic with the Dutch Waste Management Association. Together with Rob Wiegers, chairman of the Association of Industrial Construction Materials (VIB), he explores the influence of risk perception on innovation, recycling and the further development of the circular economy.
From technical feasibility to market acceptance
At De Hoop Terneuzen, we actively investigate how secondary raw materials can be used responsibly within the construction sector. By doing so, we can reduce the use of primary raw materials and give residual material streams renewed value within the construction chain.
However, the technical suitability of a material is not the only factor that matters. Quality, reliability, continuity and market acceptance also play an important role. Particularly in the case of secondary raw materials, a gap can arise between what is technically responsible and feasible and how a material is perceived by society.
Kees van der Plas:
“You have to continuously look for the right balance between sustainability, quality, continuity, market acceptance and reliability.”
That balance is essential. New applications require careful research and sound substantiation, but also clear communication about properties, applications and potential risks. Only when parties throughout the entire chain have confidence in a material can an innovative application ultimately find its way into the market on a larger scale.
Circularity requires cooperation and trust
For De Hoop Terneuzen, identifying new and high-quality applications for secondary raw materials is an important part of the transition towards a more circular construction economy. In doing so, we not only look at new products, but also at our role throughout the entire chain: from the origin and quality of raw materials to their application and acceptance by clients and end users.
At the same time, the discussion surrounding secondary raw materials shows that the circular transition is not solely a technical challenge. Transparency, knowledge sharing and cooperation between producers, customers, experts, public authorities and other stakeholders are equally important.
By carefully assessing risks, placing them in the right context and communicating openly about both opportunities and areas of concern, we can build the trust needed to further advance new circular applications.
Risks are part of progress
In the article ‘Risks are part of progress’ by the Dutch Waste Management Association, Kees van der Plas and Rob Wiegers discuss this tension between sustainability, innovation, risk perception and societal acceptance in greater detail.
Read the full article on the website of the Dutch Waste Management Association.