Transforming Concrete Recycling

Oct 24, 2024

Transforming Concrete Recycling

Concrete is an essential component of our infrastructure, but it’s also one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste. That’s why concrete recycling is so important. 

This case study explores the flourishing collaboration between EWS Group and SMA (Screenmasters Australia) showcasing the transformative impacts of advanced Crushing and Screening technology on concrete recycling.

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EWS Group: A Commitment to Circular Economy

EWS Group is a respected player in the Australian market, successfully adopting sustainability and innovation.

“Our primary focus is creating a circular economy, particularly in concrete recycling,” Peter Kalajiovski , General Manager at EWS Group, explains. “Our commitment to converting unused concrete into reusable aggregates has built our reputation as a leader in sustainable waste management.”

Company Overview

With strategically located facilities in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, EWS Group processes concrete agitator waste, recycling it into valuable concrete aggregates.

Its goal is for all Agi waste to be transformed into recycled, eco-friendly products like DGB20, DGS20, 10mm Agg & 20mm Agg. EWS operates services including;

  • Quarry Truck and Dogs: Facilitating the transportation of quarried materials.
  • Concrete Skip Bins: Incorporating an ejection module design to streamline concrete handling.
  • Recycling: Converting returned concrete into aggregates such as 20 mm, 10 mm sand, and road base through state-of-the-art recycling processes.

The Challenge: Cracking the Code of Concrete Recycling

EWS Group faced a problem: efficiently recycling concrete from skip bins into usable aggregates. This process required high-reliability machinery and consistent service to mitigate downtime and keep operations seamless.

Peter notes, “We needed a reliable solution to convert concrete waste into precisely defined aggregate sizes. Our previous equipment didn’t meet the reliability or efficiency standards we sought.”

The urgency for a robust solution drove EWS Group to explore options that would meet and exceed their operational requirements.

Enter SMA

SMA emerged as the ideal partner, leading the way with their advanced machinery and dedicated service support.

“About two years ago, we sat down to discuss EWS needs and knew that the Keestrack range, especially the R3h size, was a perfect fit for their operations,” says Ciaran Lagan, National Sales Manager.

Lagan explained, “EWS needed to process concrete pieces up to 400mm in size into different end products, including 20mm and 10mm aggregates, as well as sand that is less than 5mm. The Keestrack equipment was able to produce all of these products efficiently, with a processing capacity of approximately 150 to 170 tonnes per hour, which is quite impressive.”

Addressing Past Frustrations

EWS Group had previously encountered issues related to service and spare part availability with other suppliers.

Ciaran highlights, “EWS faced a lot of frustrations with their past supplier’s service and spare parts availability. SMA demonstrated our stock and service support capabilities, leading to an agreement on fortnightly maintenance.”

Having a reliable maintenance schedule proved essential for guaranteeing machinery uptime and operational fluidity, aspects that were monumental in EWS’s decision to partner with SMA.

The Solution: Reliable Machinery and Unmatched Service

SMA provided EWS Group with a suite of high-performance crushing and screening equipment, including:

  • Crusher (Keestrack R3h, HSI)

The track mounted Keestrack R3h ground breaking design has won it the prestigious Red Dot Design, the German Design Price and the Big See Awards. Due to its innovative technology, like zero-emission plug-in electric drive system, high sustainability, high safety standards and the powerful and functional design, this compact Impactor is a winner in its class.

The Keestrack C6 is designed for high production and precision screening in quarrying, mining, sand and gravel applications. Available in a double or triple deck screenbox capable of producing up to 4 products. Innovations such as load sensing hydraulics, energy saving plug in versions make the C6 one of the most cost-effective screening solutions on the market today.

  • Stacker (SMA8036)

The 80’ SMA8036 Stacker is a high performance, mobile, loading, stock and transport solution. Variable height settings allow for large stockpiling capacity.

Revoltionising the way material is measured and managed. Sensortechnik OBS Scales provide unparalleled 99.5% accuracy, 8% more accurate than loader scales, providing real time monitoring with instant feedback on material flow, enabling timely adjustments and optimization. These real time insights enable operators to power business and operation decisions, maximising productivity and minimising downtime.

Live Data Importance

“Real-time data on various devices, including phones, desktops, and tablets integrated into the machinery has been instrumental for our business. It allows us to assess feed, fine-tune processes, and communicate effectively with operators,” explains Peter.

This technological edge is a game-changer. Enabling EWS to manage operations and customer expectations more precisely and efficiently.

Maintenance and Service Benefits

“The accessibility of maintenance areas and quick servicing times lead to less downtime for customers,” explains Ciaran. “Keestrack’s efficiency is due to its smart design for recycling needs, including features like preloaded springs and hydraulic adjustments.”

Peter shares, “SMA’s team is reliable and approachable, providing timely responses and impeccable service. The bi-weekly checks and routine maintenance have been pivotal in preventing downtimes and maintaining consistent product delivery.”

Achieving Operational Efficiency

One significant benefit of this collaboration was the notable reduction in downtime.

Peter acknowledges the ease of conducting maintenance tasks with SMA’s equipment. “Changing blow bars and performing other maintenance tasks are significantly quicker compared to previous equipment.”

Such efficiencies were pivotal in ramping up EWS’s production capabilities.

Peter Kalajiovski, EWS General Manager

The Outcome: A Flourishing Partnership Rooted in Sustainability

The partnership between EWS Group and SMA has yielded remarkable results, from operational efficiency to business growth. “EWS has seen significant growth and professional management over the years, with clear plans for expansion,” Ciaran says.

Success of the relationship to date has encouraged EWS to order further Crushing and Screening plants from SMA for developing sites

Emphasis on Sustainability

With a strong environmental focus, the use of recycled materials has elevated EWS’s position in the market, particularly in cities like Sydney, where natural resources are limited.

Ciaran explains, “The shift towards using recycled material in Sydney aligns perfectly with EWS’s business strategy, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly eco-conscious market.”

Reflecting on the industry’s future, he envisions a broader move towards environmentally friendly practices, driven by both environmental and cost benefits.

“There’s a definitive shift towards sustainable practices, and it’s encouraging to see businesses like EWS leading the way,” Ciaran predicts.

Powering Recycling Success

The collaboration between EWS Group and SMA illustrates the significant impact that innovative equipment and committed customer service can have on a business’s operational efficiency and sustainability in the recycling industry.

“The relationship with SMA strengthened due to their reliable service and technical support. Their equipment and support have been crucial for our operational efficiency and customer satisfaction,” says Peter.

EWS Group’s experience highlights how a strategic alliance with an experienced service provider like SMA can play a pivotal role in driving business growth and sustainability. The partnership demonstrates the potential for achieving reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in concrete recycling through the right equipment and support.

For other companies facing similar challenges, this success story offers a blueprint for what’s possible when innovation and collaboration come together. SMA’s ability to deliver high-performance machinery and exceptional support has set the bar for what a true partnership can achieve in the recycling industry.

About SMA 

SMA has been a trusted name in the industry since 1994. As Authorised Dealers for some of the world’s leading manufacturers of Mobile and Fixed Crushing and Screening equipment – including Keestrack, SRH by Metso Group, CMS Cepcor, GIPO, Rockster, Convir, and Sensortechnik – it offers a diverse range of solutions tailored to your needs.  

Their extensive inventory features over 60 mobile crushers and screens, both new and used, available for sale or hire. With strategic locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Central West NSW, and the Gold Coast, SMA are well-positioned to support you across Australia. 

SMA specialise in solutions for the Quarrying, Mining, Recycling, and Dry Bulk Handling sectors. You can count on SMA to deliver exceptional solutions and unmatched reliability.