Funded by the
European Union
HORIZON-CL4-2022-TWIN-TRANSITION-01 program
under grant agreement No 101091960
Welcome to TransZeroWaste
Growing demand for high-quality iron ores and scrap as well as abandonment of carbon intensive sintering in the future require novel technological approaches for upgrading of low-grade iron ores and recycling of mill scale.
Expected Impact
The developed TransZeroWaste technologies aim for the upgrade and use of low-quality iron ores and iron-containing by-products, focusing on impurity separation and reduction, as well as enhancing the valorisation potential of low-quality scrap equivalents while achieving a high recycling rate. Their further development will contribute to climate neutral and circular industrial value chains supporting transition towards low-CO2 DR and EAF production routes, enhancing recycling potential to reduce the use of critical raw materials, and enabling the implementation of energy-efficient processes.
The development of a decision support platform modelling sustainability performances of steel production pathways supports the digital transition of the manufacturing sector. The project outcomes will thus help increase the resilience and competitiveness of the steel sector in Europe. As the transition to low-CO₂ DR and EAF routes leads to the shutdown of CO₂-intensive processes such as sinter plants, BF, and BOF— which currently support a high recycling rate— the recyclability and usability of low-grade ore and scrap would also be significantly reduced. Therefore, the TransZeroWaste technologies aim to provide solutions at TRL 8 to fill the gaps for recycling and upgrading for ore- and scrap-based green steel production. Considering sinter plant operation generating between 161 and 368 kg CO2/t sinter (Best Available Techniques), the replacement of sinter plant with low carbon technologies for the addressed 27 Mt/a raw materials could save between 4.3 and 9.9 Mt CO2 /y. The replacement by TransZeroWaste technologies could provide the otherwise cut-off of recycling and upgrading as well as providing additional potential for low CO2 zinc recovery.
Key Facts
TransZeroWaste in a glance.
100% circular economy
Internal reuse of iron containing residues during iron and steel production.
Upgrade of low-quality iron ores
By combining it with iron-rich by-products.
Τransition towards zero waste
Development of the technological basis and digital tools supporting the transition towards zero waste in the European steel industry.
Research Partners
Newsletter
13
Specialized Partners
8
European Countries
60
Scientists & Researchers
Latest News
TransZeroWaste had the privilege of participating in the ESTEP & FEhS Slag Workshop on March 5-6, 2025, in Duisburg, Germany.
The TransZeroWaste project is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Slag Workshop organized by the ESTEP Focus Group Circular Economy and the FEhS Institute.
