Innovative sludge treatment and resource recovery for sustainable steel production (iSTRESS 2.0)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 999 495 |
| Project duration | June 2025 - June 2027 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Net Zero industry - Program-specific efforts |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop and validate an industrial-scale calcination process that prevents Cr(VI) formation in pickling sludge, enabling safe recycling of valuable elements such as Ni, Cr, Mo, Mn, and CaF₂ back into stainless steel production. By ensuring environmental safety, economic feasibility, and circular business models, the project strengthens resource efficiency, reduces landfill needs, and supports climate-smart steelmaking.
Expected effects and result
The project will deliver validated industrial trials showing safe, resource-efficient recycling of pickling sludge into valuable raw materials for stainless steelmaking. Expected effects include reduced hazardous waste and landfill, lower CO₂ emissions, cost savings through substitution of virgin materials, and strengthened competitiveness. It will also establish scalable business models for long-term industrial adoption.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is structured into five work packages: WP1 material preparation and characterization, WP2 lab-scale validation and optimization, WP3 industrial trials at Minpro with Outokumpu’s sludge, WP4 sustainability assessment and business model development led by RISE, and WP5 project management and dissemination. This setup ensures efficient scale-up, stakeholder involvement, and readiness for industrial adoption.