Gypsum: the "Magic" Mineral Indefinitely Recyclable

Gypsum is a rock-like mineral commonly found in the earth’s crust. It is usually white, colourless or grey. In Europe, the principal Gypsum deposits are located in Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Russia and the Ukraine.

Gypsum has been used by Man in construction or decoration in the form of plaster and alabaster since 9,000 B.C. Plaster was discovered in Catal-Huyuk in Asia in an underground fresco and in Israel Gypsum floor screeds have been found from 7000 B.C. During the time of the Pharaohs, Gypsum was used as mortar in the construction of the Cheops Pyramid (3,000 B.C.). In the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, decorations and artistic creations were made of plaster. Since then, the range of construction-related uses has continued to expand.

Gypsum is a raw material which can be eternally recycled to manufacture Gypsum-based products (closed-loop recycling). We could say that Gypsum is in that case close to being a “totally renewable natural resource”.

The substitute to natural Gypsum is FGD Gypsum (Flue Gas Desulphurisation Gypsum).  It is generated by coal-fired power stations during the process designed to clean sulphur from the exhaust gases. Gypsum produced by this means is equivalent to extracted Gypsum and satisfies the same performance and quality standards. The rise in FGD production is consequently slowing down the rate at which natural Gypsum reserves are exploited.