Japan is gradually replacing natural sand in construction.

What has Japan done to solve the natural sand crisis?

Japan is one of the countries with a strong construction industry but faces a shortage of natural sand. Instead of exploiting new resources, they have focused on recycling construction waste to create artificial sandThis material is intended to replace natural sand in construction projects.

After World War II, Japan mined a large amount of sand to serve the country's reconstruction. "In 1967, natural sand accounted for 44% of supply for construction projects and other fields. Sand demand peaked in 1990, with about 949 million tons used. Of which, more than 500,000 tons were imported. However, over-exploitation led to the depletion of sand resources. Forcing many beaches to close. Such as in Hiroshima Prefecture in 1997 and Chiba Prefecture in 2011." - According to Mcic Vietnam.

In Japan, after being demolished, buildings will be collected, crushed and screened into recycled materials. Of which, a large part of construction waste such as concrete, rubble, scrap glass, etc. will be processed to become artificial sand used in concrete and construction.

This technology has helped Japan:
✅ Reduce 50% of natural sand exploited each year.
✅ Reduce 80% of construction waste buried in landfills.
✅ Reduce CO₂ emissions and protect natural resources.

What technology helps turn "construction waste" into artificial sand?

To reduce dependence on natural sand, Japan has implemented solutions:

• Artificial sand production: Recycle construction materials such as waste concrete, glass, bricks, etc. by crushing, removing impurities and carefully screening to create high quality artificial sand.

• Dredged sludge treatment: Using technology to stabilize dredged mud with cement and additives, turning soft mud into landfill material, expanding land fund for building wharves and airports.

• Tax policy:Imposing high taxes on natural sand to encourage the use of artificial sand and other alternative materials.

Using many advanced technologies to recycle construction waste into artificial sand:

🔹 Cone crusher & VSI sand making machine – Used to grind old concrete into sand with standard fineness.
🔹 Vibrating screen system – Remove unsuitable impurities.
🔹 Dry sand washing technology – Helps remove fine dust without using water, saving wastewater treatment costs.
🔹 Impurity treatment system – Separates metal, plastic, glass to retain clean aggregate.

Japan can create artificial sand that meets standards JIS A 5021.  The quality is equivalent to natural sand but has higher durability.

What can Vietnam learn from Japan?

Vietnam is currently facing landslides due to excessive sand mining. At the same time, huge amounts of construction waste are not being thoroughly treated. Japan has proven that recycling construction waste into artificial sand is a feasible and sustainable solution.

✅ Benefits when Vietnam applies this model:

• Reduce exploitation of natural sand, protect river ecosystems.
• Reduce environmental pollution from construction waste.
• Creating sustainable building materials for the industry.
• Reduce the cost of concrete production as the price of natural sand is increasing.

🏗 Keys to implementation:

• Need to invest in crushing, screening and washing lines for recycled sand.
• There needs to be a policy to support businesses investing in recycling technology.
• Technical standards for recycled sand need to be clearly established to ensure quality.

This is a great opportunity for businesses in the construction materials industry. As natural sand resources are gradually depleted. Some businesses in Vietnam have begun to experiment with this model, but it is not really popular.

This is the time for stone crushing and screening units and concrete production units to seize the opportunity. Invest early in the production line. artificial sand production from construction waste.

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