India and Norway have explored joint technological solutions to convert industrial waste into useful resources for sustainable construction and promote a circular economy. The initiative was discussed during the India-Norway dialogue on Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector, held yesterday in New Delhi. The dialogue was jointly organised by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway.
The discussions focused on developing technologies to utilise construction and demolition waste, fly ash, steel slag, red mud and plastic waste in road construction and other building materials.
Addressing the dialogue, Director of CSIR-CBRI, Professor R. Pradeep Kumar, emphasised the need to move from a linear to a circular economy by transforming industrial and construction waste into valuable resources.
A technical session also explored the use of cement kilns for the safe disposal of hazardous waste, including materials contaminated with Persistent Organic Pollutants, such as DDT and PCBs. Experts highlighted the importance of emission monitoring, appropriate technical protocols and regulatory compliance. The initiative aims to strengthen India-Norway research cooperation, promote resource-efficient construction practices and accelerate the transition towards sustainable industrial development.
