𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗡 (01.2026- ) Ongoing

Most Nordic countries have set a very demanding target to be emission-neutral in the nearest 
future. The construction industry alone is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emission due to 
the extensive use of Portland cement. Additionally, natural raw materials in concrete such as 
natural fillers, sand, and aggregates are used in large quantities. Their availability is becoming 
increasingly limited in Sweden and Norway and they are largely unavailable in the Faroe Islands 
and Greenland. At the same time, a significant amount of waste concrete is produced in all of 
these countries. For example, Sweden alone produces well over 2 million tons of concrete waste 
every year. Only 15% of that amount goes back into the production of concrete as recycled 
aggregates. The RECON project aims to change the current situation dramatically by enabling the 
recovery of binders from old concrete by the application of an optimized grinding process. These 
recovered binders will be combined with recycled aggregates and recycled sand to produce a 
new fully waste-based concrete. By enabling full-scale recycling of old concrete, this project 
contributes to the circular economy by reducing waste, cutting CO₂ emissions from cement 
production, lowering the environmental footprint of Nordic Arctic construction and improving 
the resilience of the Arctic society.

Partners:
The project consists of partners from Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Sweden and Norway, ensuring 
that expertise in sustainable construction, recycling technology, and Arctic infrastructure is 
integrated into the development of circular solutions for Arctic communities. Moreover, the 
collaboration between companies and universities ensures a strong link between research and 
industry, fostering innovation and practical implementation of circular solutions for Arctic 
communities.
University of the Faroe Islands (UFA) – Faroe Islands - the main applicant and project coordinator
Luleå University of Technology (LTU) – Sweden 
Inuplan A/S – (IAS) - Greenland 
J&K Petersen – (J&K) Faroe Islands
The Arctic University of Norway (AUN) – Norway