Chongqing- A game-changing initiative that has turned waste into an available resource in Tongliang District, Chongqing. Chongqing Changjiang River Moulding Material Group Co., Ltd. (CCRMM) has transformed waste sand, previously discarded, into usable "new sand" after multiple processes.
CCRMM Materials produces molds for automotive parts from recycled sand. (Photo/ Yang Xinyu)
Over 95% waste sand regeneration utilization rate
CCRMM is an expert in producing resin-coated sand, recycling used foundry sand, and crafting sand cores for foundries.
It initially produced casting laminated sand for industrial purposes, specifically for manufacturing automobile parts. Automobiles require the casting of parts, and this process uses molds made from coated sand as a raw material.
However, after these molds are used, they become waste sand. Xiong Yin, Deputy General Manager of CCRMM's Chongqing division, explained that once the sand molds are used, the waste sand is returned to their facility for repurposing.
This innovation, which started in 1993, has profound implications. "Post-transformation, the 'new sand' shows reduced scorch, less gas generation, and a diminished expansion coefficient, thereby cutting foundry production costs," Xiong stated. Notably, by recycling waste sand, the company has slashed logistics costs by 80% and significantly mitigated environmental impacts.
While the principle of reusing waste sand is straightforward, achieving a high recycling rate requires robust equipment and technical prowess. Xiong shared, "We currently have a waste sand regeneration utilization rate surpassing 95%, supported by the 45 patents we've innovatively developed."
Curtail the usage of disposable supplies
Such a commitment to sustainability is both environmentally beneficial and economically advantageous.
With the market price of raw sand fluctuating between 400 yuan (about 54.9 U.S. dollars) and 500 yuan per ton, and given that a ton of casting produces 1.2 tons of waste sand, there is significant potential for savings. Considering the country's yearly production of around 46 million tons of waste sand, the cost benefits become even more pronounced.
Chongqing's commendable efforts date back to 2019 when it joined the national "zero-waste city" pilot program. Since then, the city has continuously championed resource utilization, waste reduction, and safe disposal. By 2022, CCRMM had earned recognition as a national green factory, and Chongqing had set up 89 such green factories and parks.
The city's latest initiative aims to curtail the usage of disposable supplies in tourism, catering, and accommodation industries from August 1. This move is expected to contribute significantly to resource conservation.
Chongqing Ecology and Environment Bureau shared ambitious plans. The city aims to address hazardous waste disposal challenges, focusing on digitalization. The overarching goal is to establish Chongqing as a prime ecological barrier for the Yangtze River, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.