Editor’s Note
This article examines the critical role of crushers in processing the vast quantities of sand and gravel essential for global urbanization and infrastructure, highlighting the scale of this often-overlooked industry.
Crushers are designed to break down large rocks, minerals, and construction materials into smaller, more useful sizes. These machines are widely used in industries such as mining, construction, demolition, and recycling. Each year, about 50 billion tons of sand and gravel are extracted globally. These materials are the second most used resource in the world after water. The high demand for sand and gravel is mainly due to urbanization and infrastructure development. As cities grow, more roads, buildings, and bridges are needed, which increases the need for advanced crushers to produce essential construction materials.
In waste management, construction and demolition activities generate a large amount of waste. In the European Union, this type of waste makes up about 35.7% of the total waste produced. This highlights the need for powerful crushers to process and recycle materials. Recycling construction waste helps reduce environmental harm and supports better resource management. The crusher market has grown with new technologies. Companies are now using automation, digital monitoring, and energy-saving features in their machines. These improvements make crushers more efficient and environmentally friendly, reducing pollution from material processing. Regions like Asia-Pacific, which are rapidly developing and urbanizing, have seen an increase in large construction projects. As a result, the demand for crushers has risen since these machines are necessary for producing the raw materials used in construction.
Working with crushers involves risks, such as exposure to dust, loud noise, and dangerous moving parts. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that in 2022/23, six fatalities occurred in the waste management and recycling sector, which includes crushing activities. The fatality rate was 5.02 per 100,000 workers, much higher than in most other industries. These risks require companies to invest in better safety measures, such as protective equipment and worker training. However, improving workplace safety leads to increased costs. Additionally, accidents can result in legal actions and compensation claims, which discourage some businesses from expanding their crusher operations.
The amount of waste generated from construction and demolition is growing every year. Crushers are used to recycle this waste and turn it into useful materials. The United Nations Environment Programme’s Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 states that municipal solid waste (MSW) production is expected to increase from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. Much of this waste comes from construction activities. Instead of disposing of materials in landfills, crushers help break them down for reuse, reducing waste and benefiting the environment. The use of advanced crushers for recycling is expected to grow, as more countries focus on sustainability and reducing landfill waste.
The environmental segment is estimated to register the fastest CAGR of 9.4% during 2025-2033 owing to the increasing focus on waste recycling and sustainable practices.
Governments like the European Union mandate recycling targets under the Circular Economy Action Plan, boosting crusher adoption. Crushers play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals, ensuring rapid expansion in this segment.
North America is projected to emerge as the most attractive region and is expected to move forward at a CAGR of 7% through the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the robust expansion of the construction industry and increased mining activities in the region. The U.S. government has launched massive investments in infrastructure, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to upgrade roads, bridges, and public utilities. As a result, the need for crushed materials has risen, boosting demand for crushers. Additionally, North America is placing more importance on environmentally friendly solutions. Many companies are now using advanced crushers that recycle waste materials to comply with strict environmental laws, making the region an attractive market for crushing equipment.
Europe holds a significant share in the global crusher market and is driven by a well-established mining and quarrying industry. The region also has a high focus on recycling and waste management, which has increased the demand for crushers that process construction and demolition waste. European countries have strict environmental policies that encourage companies to use energy-efficient crushing equipment to reduce pollution and meet sustainability targets. Furthermore, several nations in Europe, including Germany, France, and the UK, are constantly working on infrastructure renovation projects. These projects require high-quality crushed materials, which continues to drive the demand for crushers across the region.
Metso is a well-known industrial machinery company from Finland that provides technology and services for industries like mining, construction, recycling, and processing. It produces a wide range of crushers, such as jaw crushers, cone crushers, impact crushers, and mobile crushing plants. Metso is known for its continuous innovation, always improving its crushing technology to make machines more efficient and productive. The company’s crushers are highly reliable and durable, making them a top choice in many industries. With a strong focus on performance and customer satisfaction, Metso has gained a leading position in the global crusher market.