Innovative use potential of industrial residues from the steel, paper and pulp industries - A preliminary study

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.