Dispose of plaster waste correctly: recycling service for dental laboratories

As a medium-sized company, we at dentona are expanding our commitment to modern dental technology to include practical solutions for dental laboratories. Our plaster waste recycling service emphasises our commitment to sustainability. The initiative enables dental laboratories to dispose of plaster waste and/or old plaster models in a simple and environmentally friendly way.

Why dispose of plaster waste correctly?

Plaster is a natural raw material with limited resources. Increasing demand across all sectors makes well thought-out waste management - including in dental laboratories - all the more important. Gypsum recycling: The chemical reversibility of gypsum makes it recyclable, making it available as a raw material for new applications - ideal for the circular economy. However, foreign substances in dental gypsum often prevent it from being recycled into medical applications. Downcycling: Recycled dental plaster is currently primarily used in the construction industry.

"Together with our customers, we want to make a contribution to the recycling of raw materials," explains Carsten Wilkesmann (CEO dentona). "By working with a partner, gypsum waste is reintegrated into the cycle using modern processing technologies." The recycled dental gypsum is used in the production of building materials, particularly in the manufacture of gypsum plasters, and in the cement industry.

Recycling service for dental laboratories

How plaster disposal works at dentona

Our non-profit orientated service is easy to use:

Collect: Collect plaster waste in a sturdy cardboard box - ideally in dentona plasterboard (32 x 24 x 35 cm). Important: Dry plaster must be free of foreign materials such as magnets, metal plates or plastics.
Register: Scan the QR code on the box or visit www.dentona.de. Log in to your dentona customer account and set a collection date.
Arrange collection: Hand over the box to the DHL driver on the agreed day.
Have it recycled: We at dentona take care of the professional processing of the material with our recycling partners.

Our recycling service is an environmentally orientated, non-profit initiative. The cost of 13.90 euros plus VAT covers the actual costs of the recycling process - from collection to preparation and further processing.

What happens to the disposed plaster waste?

The technical process behind plaster recycling comprises several stages:

Mechanical processing: After delivery, the plaster waste is first crushed. Modern sorting technologies separate foreign matter from the actual gypsum material.
Quality control: The recycled material is tested for purity and technical properties. Material that meets quality standards enters the processing stage.
Further processing: The recycled gypsum is used in the building materials industry - an example of cross-sector recycling in the sense of the circular economy.

From simple disposal to other environmentally friendly solutions

Plaster recycling is an important step for us. At the same time, we are looking ahead to future challenges - such as the recycling of dental 3D printing resins. Photopolymer materials pose complex questions for the industry. Their chemical structure, which is irreversibly cross-linked after curing, requires new approaches. "We are keeping a close eye on developments in research and industry and are happy to get involved in this process," explains Carsten Wilkesmann. "This task can only be accomplished with the cooperation of all those involved."

Working together for greater sustainability

With our plaster recycling service, we offer dental laboratories a simple solution for disposing of plaster waste. We are aware that the future of dental technology lies not only in innovative products and technologies, but also in environmentally conscious initiatives and sustainable behaviour. "Thank you for making a contribution to sustainability with us!"

Matthias Mohr