New Delhi: India and Norway are exploring joint technologies to convert Industrial Waste into valuable resources for sustainable construction, with a focus on waste management, recycling and resource recovery in the cement and construction sectors.
The collaboration was discussed at the India–Norway Dialogue on “Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector”, held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India, along with SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway, organised the dialogue, bringing together representatives from CSIR institutes, SINTEF, regulatory authorities and the cement and construction industries to explore collaborative approaches for sustainable waste management and resource recovery.
The dialogue aligned with the vision set forth by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during the former’s visit to Norway in May.
During the visit, India–Norway relations were elevated to a Green Strategic Partnership, with the circular economy, clean technology and research identified as key areas of cooperation.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Prof. S. K. Singh of CSIR-CBRI, who welcomed the dignitaries and distinguished participants.
India–Norway Collaboration to Develop Waste-to-Resource Technologies
The inaugural session was addressed by Dr. Rama Swami Bansal, Head, ISTAD, CSIR Headquarters; Dr. Arvinn Gadgil of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, New Delhi; Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen, Chief Scientist, SINTEF, Norway; and Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director, CSIR-CBRI, among other dignitaries.
The discussions focused on strengthening India–Norway cooperation through joint technology-oriented proposals involving CSIR institutes, SINTEF and industry partners. A key objective was to translate research outcomes into practical and scalable solutions for the effective utilisation of Industrial Waste.
Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar highlighted the transition from a linear to a circular economy and the need to transform construction and industrial waste into valuable resources.
The participants discussed potential applications of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, steel slag, fly ash, red mud and other industrial residues.
They also examined challenges associated with processing technologies, standardisation, economic viability and market acceptance.
Cement Kilns Explored for Hazardous Industrial Waste Treatment
A technical session on “Safe Destruction of POPs and Hazardous Waste” was led by Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen, Chief Scientist, SINTEF, and Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NEERI.
The session explored the potential of cement kiln co-processing for the environmentally sound treatment of suitable hazardous wastes, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), DDT and PCB-contaminated materials.
CSIR-NEERI presented India’s National Implementation Plan in line with the country’s commitments under the Stockholm Convention, the 2025 CDW Rules and related regulations, along with the inventory of legacy POPs.
SINTEF shared international experiences highlighting the potential of cement kilns to destroy hazardous organic contaminants under controlled high-temperature conditions.
The process can also help substitute conventional fossil fuels with waste-derived alternative fuels.
The discussions emphasised the importance of appropriate technical protocols, controlled industrial trials, emission monitoring and regulatory compliance to ensure the safe treatment of hazardous Industrial Waste.
CSIR Institutes Highlight Industrial Waste Applications in Construction
Research initiatives presented by CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-AMPRI highlighted opportunities to utilise fly ash, copper slag, red mud, plastic waste, steel grit and other industrial by-products in road construction, geopolymer concrete, specialised aggregates and value-added construction products.
The presentations demonstrated potential applications of Industrial Waste in construction materials and infrastructure development.
CSIR-NEERI and industry representatives also discussed the technological requirements and challenges associated with the safe management and disposal of hazardous waste.
A dedicated session on C&D waste recycling, led by Dr. Christian John Engelsen of SINTEF, highlighted international best practices in waste recovery and recycling.
The session covered recycled aggregate-based construction products, mobile recycling units and improved processing techniques for removing impurities from construction and demolition waste.
Prof. S. K. Singh of CSIR-CBRI also delivered a presentation titled “Using Slags and Other By-products in Construction”.
The presentation highlighted the potential applications of industrial by-products in construction materials and the importance of their sustainable utilisation.
India–Norway Identify Priority Areas for Future Collaboration
The India–Norway dialogue identified several priority areas for future research and technological cooperation in waste management and sustainable construction.
These include:
- Developing two to three joint India–Norway research proposals.
- Undertaking pilot-scale demonstration projects for hazardous waste treatment.
- Preparing technical guidelines for the disposal of DDT and PCB-contaminated waste.
- Advancing the development of waste-derived construction materials.
- Strengthening industry–academia partnerships.
The proposed initiatives aim to strengthen the utilisation of Industrial Waste and support the development of practical solutions for the cement and construction sectors.
The programme concluded with a shared emphasis on strengthening bilateral research and technological cooperation, promoting circular construction practices and accelerating the transition towards sustainable and resource-efficient cement and construction sectors.
