At VEEM, sustainability is not an abstract goal – it is built into the way we operate every day. Our foundry produces approximately 1,500 tonnes of processed sand each month as part of the metal casting process. Managing this material responsibly has been a long-term challenge across the industry, as traditional landfill options become increasingly limited and environmentally unsustainable.
Recognising this challenge, VEEM invested in reclamation technology that now allows up to 70 percent of all foundry sand to be recycled and reused within our own production. The remaining balance, once destined for landfill, has found a new purpose helping to build Western Australia’s road network.
Working in collaboration with local road base producers and environmental authorities, VEEM developed a process to repurpose the residual foundry sand for use in road base and pavement materials. This was not a quick solution, it required years of testing, environmental assessment and close engagement with road contractors to ensure full compliance and suitability. The result is a successful circular economy model where foundry by-products are transformed into a valuable local resource.
Today, VEEM supplies around 600 tonnes of reclaimed sand each month to road construction projects across Perth and the surrounding regions. This initiative has reduced foundry waste to virtually zero and eliminated the need for landfill disposal, saving approximately $250,000 per year in associated costs. The environmental benefits extend beyond VEEM’s operations: road base producers gain a high-quality, locally sourced material that reduces their reliance on new sand extraction, while transport distances and emissions are significantly reduced.
Through projects like this, VEEM demonstrates that industrial innovation and environmental responsibility can work hand in hand. By finding practical ways to close the loop on materials once considered waste, VEEM continues to advance its commitment to efficient, sustainable manufacturing—delivering tangible benefits for the business, the environment and the broader Western Australian community.
