26.2.2025
Funding from Business Finland for Construction Waste Recycling Research
Business Finland has granted nearly EUR 3 million for the new research project, Recycling of Mineral Side Streams (REMIS), which aims to improve the recycling of construction waste materials and by-products from the industry.
The project is led by Leena Hupa, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at Åbo Akademi University. Åbo Akademi University’s share of the funding is approx. EUR 1.25 million.
More efficient recycling and conversion of metals and minerals from construction waste, aluminium-containing by-products and waste from carbon dioxide mineralisation in the industry will facilitate the use of these materials in manufacturing new products such as construction materials, abrasive grains and cement replacement materials.
Researchers seek to minimise the use of virgin minerals and the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. The objective is to develop effective methods for treating by-products and waste in an economically viable and environmentally friendly way.
To maximise the use of these side and waste streams, they must be collected in sufficient volumes, properly sorted and analysed to determine their characteristics and most suitable application throughout the value chain. This approach allows for the identification of the most effective and sustainable uses for each material.
“By emphasising innovative recycling methods and sustainable material management, we support the transition to a circular economy in the construction and industrial sectors. Our work reduces environmental impact while also opening up new business opportunities,” says Leena Hupa.
Also participating from Åbo Akademi University are Professor Cataldo De Blasio (Energy Technology), Assistant Professor Tan Phat Huynh and Docent Jan-Henrik Smått (Physical Chemistry) and Professor Ron Zevenhoven (Process and Systems Engineering). Dr Thomas Kronberg from the Inorganic Chemistry team coordinates the project.
The project collaborates with Mirka’s SHAPE and Kiilto’s SUPER Healthy Building ecosystems. The research is carried out in cooperation between Åbo Akademi University, the University of Oulu and the companies Paroc, Levanto, Vektorio, Kierto Ympäristöpalvelut and Suomen Erityisjäte. The project runs from February 2025 to August 2027.
More information:
Leena Hupa, Professor of Inorganic Chemistry
leena.hupa@abo.fi
Thomas Kronberg, Project Researcher
thomas.kronberg@abo.fi