Innovative sludge treatment and resource recovery for sustainable steel production (ISTRESS)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 000 000 |
| Project duration | October 2024 - April 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Increased resource efficiency and resilience, stage 1 |
Important results from the project
The project met its goals of developing and evaluating technologies for the recovery of valuable metals and the reduction of Cr(VI) in stainless steel sludge. Laboratory furnace tests showed that Cr(VI) can be effectively reduced using FeSi, Al, and hydrochar. System analyses (LCA/TEA) demonstrated environmental and cost benefits. New collaborations, including with Germany and Spain, strengthen the potential for international scale-up.
Expected long term effects
The project supports Net Zero Industry goals by enabling metal recovery from stainless steel sludge, reducing hazardous waste, Cr(VI) risks, and fossil CO₂ emissions. It improves resource efficiency, supports the circular economy, and enables reuse of recovered materials in steel production. The results align with EU regulations and create a strong basis for international scale-up, industrial transformation, and commercialization in Stage 2 and beyond.
Approach and implementation
The project followed the planned structure and timeline. WP1 covered sludge characterization; WP2 focused on lab trials with electrowinning and Cr(VI) reduction using various reductants; WP3 conducted LCA and TEA; WP4 handled planning for Stage 2. Activities were carried out as intended, including project meetings and site visits, with strong collaboration among partners. No delays or disruptions occurred. The project strengthened knowledge, networks, and preparedness for upscaling in Stage 2