THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 11, 2026

India and Norway are exploring joint research and technology initiatives to convert industrial and construction waste into valuable resources, as the two countries seek to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy and promote sustainable construction practices.

The initiative was discussed at the India–Norway Dialogue on 'Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector', organised jointly by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway at the India Habitat Centre here on November 10.

The dialogue brought together scientists from CSIR laboratories, Norwegian research experts, regulatory authorities and representatives of the cement and construction industries to identify collaborative opportunities in waste management, resource recovery and the development of environment-friendly construction materials.

The discussions assume significance in the backdrop of India and Norway elevating their bilateral relationship to a Green Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway in May, with circular economy, clean technologies and research identified as key pillars of cooperation.

The inaugural session was addressed by Dr Rama Swami Bansal, Head of ISTAD at CSIR Headquarters, Dr Arvinn Gadgil of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Dr Kåre Helge Karstensen, Chief Scientist at SINTEF, Norway, and Prof R Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI, among other dignitaries.

Emphasising the need to move away from the conventional linear economic model, Prof Kumar highlighted the potential of converting construction and demolition (C&D) waste and industrial residues into valuable inputs for the construction sector.

The discussions explored the utilisation of steel slag, fly ash, red mud and other industrial by-products, while addressing key challenges such as processing technologies, standardisation, economic feasibility and market acceptance.

A major focus of the dialogue was the environmentally sound treatment of hazardous waste, including Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), DDT and PCB-contaminated materials, through cement kiln co-processing.

The technical session, led by Karstensen and Dr Ramesh Kumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NEERI, examined how cement kilns could facilitate the destruction of suitable hazardous organic contaminants under controlled high-temperature conditions while replacing conventional fossil fuels with waste-derived alternative fuels.

CSIR-NEERI presented India's National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention, the 2025 Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules and the inventory of legacy POPs. SINTEF shared international experiences demonstrating the potential of cement kiln co-processing in hazardous waste management.

Experts, however, underscored the importance of stringent technical protocols, controlled industrial trials, continuous emission monitoring and regulatory compliance to ensure safe and environmentally responsible operations.

Research initiatives undertaken by CSIR-CRRI and CSIR-AMPRI also showcased opportunities to use fly ash, copper slag, red mud, plastic waste and steel grit in road construction, geopolymer concrete, specialised aggregates and other value-added construction products.

Another key session, led by Dr Christian John Engelsen of SINTEF, focused on C&D waste recycling, highlighting international best practices such as recycled aggregate-based construction products, mobile recycling units and advanced processing techniques to remove impurities.

Prof S K Singh of CSIR-CBRI presented the potential of slags and other industrial by-products in construction, highlighting the importance of developing sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials.

The dialogue identified several priority areas for future India-Norway cooperation, including the preparation of two to three joint research proposals, pilot-scale demonstration projects for hazardous waste treatment, development of technical guidelines for the disposal of DDT- and PCB-contaminated waste, and advancement of waste-derived construction materials.

Strengthening industry-academia partnerships and translating research outcomes into commercially viable and scalable technologies also emerged as key priorities.

The programme concluded with a commitment to deepen bilateral scientific and technological cooperation, promote circular construction practices and accelerate the transition towards resource-efficient and sustainable cement and construction industries.