Title: Mapping of circular economy in steel industry: a bibliometric review and future research agenda

Authors: Ranjan Kumar Singh; Manvendra Pratap Singh

Addresses: School of Management, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India ' School of Management, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Odisha, India

Abstract: As a backbone of modern infrastructure, the steel industry is a key driver of global economic growth, producing around 1.9 billion metric tons of crude steel annually and contributing 2% to global GDP. However, this industry might come with substantial environmental challenges that cannot be ignored. Steelmaking accounts for about 7% of global CO₂ emissions and generates an estimated 400 million tons of solid waste yearly. These wastes include slags, contaminated materials, wastewater, and other residues that, if not managed properly, might contaminate soil and water, degrade ecosystems, and pose serious human health risks. This review examines Scopus literature from 1991 to 2024 using tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix to chart the current state of circular economy research in the steel industry. The findings highlight the steel industry's substantial environmental challenges and the urgent need for future research to enable circular economy adoption, emphasising the crucial role of academics, researchers, and industry professionals in shaping the future of the steel industry.

Keywords: regenerative economy; sustainable waste management; material waste; effluent discharge; recycle; steel; iron.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2026.152604

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2026 Vol.20 No.2, pp.200 - 226

Received: 23 Jul 2024
Accepted: 03 Jul 2025
Published online: 30 Mar 2026 *

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