India and Norway Explore Joint Technologies to Turn Industrial Waste into Resources for Sustainable Construction

Key Highlights:

• India and Norway held a dialogue on “Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector” on November 10, 2026, in New Delhi.
• The dialogue, organized by CSIR (India), SINTEF, and Research Council of Norway, aims to explore sustainable waste management and resource recovery.
• This initiative aligns with the Green Strategic Partnership established between India and Norway during the Indian Prime Minister's visit.
• Discussions focused on transforming industrial waste like Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, fly ash, and steel slag into valuable resources.
• Key areas of collaboration include joint research, pilot projects for hazardous waste treatment, and developing waste-derived construction materials.

Detailed Insights:

• The dialogue emphasized transitioning from a linear to a Circular Economy model in the construction sector.
• It addressed challenges in processing technologies, standardization, economic viability, and market acceptance for waste-derived products.
• The potential of Cement Kiln Co-processing for environmentally sound treatment of hazardous wastes, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) like DDT and PCB-contaminated materials, was explored.
• CSIR-NEERI presented India’s National Implementation Plan in line with its Stockholm Convention commitments for POPs.
• Research from CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-AMPRI showcased opportunities for using industrial by-products in road construction and geopolymer concrete.
• The collaboration seeks to strengthen bilateral research and technological cooperation to accelerate sustainable, resource-efficient practices.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Green Strategic Partnership: A bilateral agreement focusing on environmental sustainability, clean technology, and circular economy principles.
• Circular Economy: An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources, contrasting with the traditional linear economy.
• Cement Kiln Co-processing: A method where waste materials are used as raw materials or fuel in cement kilns, simultaneously treating waste and producing cement.
• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Organic compounds resistant to environmental degradation, posing risks to human health and the environment, regulated by the Stockholm Convention.