Valdeau’Mat’s Urban Quarry and the Circular Economy Revolution in Lille
In a ground-breaking move to tackle construction waste in the Lille region, Valdeau’Mat, founded by brothers Steeve and Benjamin Vandeginste, has unveiled a state-of-the-art waste recycling plant designed and commissioned by CDE, a global leader in mineral wet processing solutions.
This innovative facility, operational since March 2024, is already exceeding expectations, recycling up to 400,000 tonnes of construction and demolition materials annually—25% more than initially forecasted.
Benjamin Vandeginste encapsulates the ethos behind Valdeau’Mat: “The creation of Valdeau’Mat is the fruit of our shared vision of a sustainable future. Investing in CDE technologies is a decisive step forward for the sector and the region. We’re determined to show that change is not only possible but also profitable.”
Addressing Lille’s Construction Waste Challenge
Historically, construction and demolition (C&D) waste in Lille has been processed through dry systems, relegating much of the material to secondary applications or, worse, landfills. Valdeau’Mat sought to disrupt this norm by committing to sustainable practices that align with the principles of a circular economy.
A visit to CDE’s recycling plant in Cessy, eastern France, proved pivotal for Valdeau’Mat. Witnessing firsthand how waste could be transformed into high-quality materials solidified their decision to collaborate with CDE. This marked CDE’s first project in Lille and Valdeau’Mat’s maiden venture into waste recycling—a partnership destined to reshape the region’s approach to construction waste.
Revolutionary Technology at the Core
Valdeau’Mat’s facility features a 200 tonnes-per-hour (tph) processing platform powered by CDE’s cutting-edge technologies, including:
- R4500 Feeding and Primary System: Efficiently handles incoming materials.
- AggMax™ Logwasher: Scrubs and classifies aggregate fractions.
- EvoWash™ Sand Wash System: Ensures clean, high-quality sand production.
- AquaCycle™ Thickener and Filter Press: Recycles up to 95% of process water.
Designed for flexibility, the plant allows for future enhancements, such as increased production capacity and additional washing technologies, enabling Valdeau’Mat to diversify its material applications.
Thibault Vandecaveye, CDE’s Business Development Manager for France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, explains: “We designed this plant with evolution in mind. With demand for recycled aggregates still in its early stages, we created a solution that can double capacity and process up to 800,000 tonnes of material a year.”
Meeting Local Needs and Beyond
Initially intended to supply Valdeau’Mat’s public works companies, the plant now produces surplus materials sold to local construction firms, turning former suppliers into customers. This shift underscores the plant’s potential to meet Lille’s growing demand for sustainable construction materials while supporting the broader circular economy.
Steeve Vandeginste highlights the plant’s adaptability: “We’re already looking at how we can do more with this innovative plant and contribute even more to the circular economy. Our ability to adapt to changing market demands ensures we’re prepared for the future.”
Recycling construction waste in Lille comes with its unique challenges, including fine materials and clay-bound excavated waste stemming from the region’s ancient oceanic soil. CDE’s tailored solution processes these tricky materials, diverting them from landfills and repurposing them into valuable resources.
Data-Driven Optimisation
CDE’s SmartTech and OptiMax technologies provide Valdeau’Mat with real-time plant performance data, from water and energy consumption to flow rates. These insights enable predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and boosting overall efficiency.
Operators can schedule maintenance and order parts directly through an intuitive app, ensuring the plant runs smoothly and remains highly productive. This data-driven approach aligns seamlessly with Valdeau’Mat’s sustainability objectives.
A Facility Built for Sustainability
Valdeau’Mat’s facility in La Chapelle-d’Armentières takes sustainability to heart. Equipped with solar panels and an underground water reservoir, the plant minimises energy and water consumption, even during harsh weather conditions. These features not only enhance operational efficiency but also reinforce Valdeau’Mat’s commitment to reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
The facility produces three aggregates (4-8mm, 8-20mm, and 20-80mm) and two sands (0-2mm and 0-4mm), meeting both internal and external market demands. These materials are now integral to local utility excavation projects and other construction applications, further reducing the region’s reliance on virgin materials.
Valdeau’Mat’s partnership with CDE is a shining example of how businesses can lead the way in sustainability. By transforming construction waste into high-quality materials, they’re not just meeting market demands but also setting a precedent for environmental responsibility in the Lille region.
“The relationship with CDE has been a true partnership,” Steeve Vandeginste reflects. “We share the same values and vision for a sustainable future, and this collaboration has only strengthened over time.”
Scaling Sustainability
As demand for recycled materials grows, Valdeau’Mat and CDE are already exploring ways to expand the facility’s capacity and capabilities. Their shared vision of a circular economy ensures they’ll remain at the forefront of sustainable construction innovation.
Thibault Vandecaveye concludes: “This plant is revolutionising recycling in Lille, turning inert mineral waste into sustainable resources. With over 30 years of expertise, we’re committed to delivering flexible, sustainable solutions that drive change across industries.”
A Global Perspective
CDE’s impact isn’t limited to Lille. With headquarters in Northern Ireland and regional offices worldwide, including North America and Australasia, the company continues to lead the way in wet processing solutions for recycling, quarrying, and mining applications.
The company’s participation in major events like bauma 2025 in Munich demonstrates its commitment to global innovation. Visitors to the event can explore CDE’s latest advancements and learn how its solutions are shaping the future of construction and waste recycling.
