Title: Innovative use potential of industrial residues from the steel, paper and pulp industries – a preliminary study

Authors: Gary Watkins, Mikko Makela, Olli Dahl

Addresses: Department of Forest Products Technology, Aalto University School of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland. ' Department of Forest Products Technology, Aalto University School of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland. ' Department of Forest Products Technology, Aalto University School of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland

Abstract: A more holistic approach to the utilisation of process industry residues is a major theme of current research. The beneficial utilisation of industrial residues, as a logical step towards the goal of sustainability through sustainable development, is crystallised within the concept of industrial symbiosis (IS). The reduction of environmental impacts, including CO₂ emissions from industrial production by encouraging the utilisation of raw materials and process residues with smaller emission footprints is a current mitigation option. Through the lens of materials flow systems thinking provided by industrial symbiosis, we have arrived at fruitful research opportunities in steel, pulp and paper mill waste, by-product and residues| utilisation that can enhance the development of larger and more diverse industrial symbiosis systems. We present a literature review and rationale for the inter-industry utilisation of residues between the steel, pulp and paper sectors, proposing a spectrum of residue-based product concepts for further research.

Keywords: industrial symbiosis; industrial ecology; blast furnace slag; green liquor dregs; GLD; slaker grits; fibre clay; lime wastes; cement; fibre reinforced concrete products; fertiliser; industrial residues; industrial waste; sustainability; sustainable development; materials flow; steel industry; paper and pulp industry.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2010.037775

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2010 Vol.7 No.3, pp.185 - 204

Published online: 28 Dec 2010 *

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