India and Norway are exploring new research and technological solutions to transform industrial and construction waste into useful resources. The initiative aims to strengthen the circular economy, reduce environmental pollution and encourage sustainable practices in the cement and construction industries.
The two countries are focusing on collaborative research, waste recycling technologies and practical solutions that can reduce dependence on conventional raw materials while supporting environmentally responsible infrastructure development.
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in partnership with Norway's SINTEF and the Research Council of Norway, organised the India-Norway Dialogue on "Waste to Resource Solutions in the Cement and Construction Sector" at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The event brought together scientists, research institutions, government representatives, regulatory authorities and industry professionals from both countries.
The dialogue was organised under the Green Strategic Partnership between India and Norway, established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Norway in May 2026. The partnership promotes cooperation in areas such as clean technology, circular economy practices and scientific research.
The inaugural session featured Dr. Rama Swami Bansal, Head of ISTAD at CSIR Headquarters; Dr. Arvinn Gadgil of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi; Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen, Chief Scientist at SINTEF; and Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar, Director of CSIR-CBRI, among other representatives.
Discussions centred on developing joint research proposals involving CSIR laboratories, Norwegian research organisations and industry partners. The objective is to convert scientific developments into practical technologies that can be implemented on a larger scale.
Prof. R. Pradeep Kumar highlighted the importance of moving away from the traditional linear economy towards a circular model. Under this approach, waste materials are processed and reused instead of being discarded.
Participants explored opportunities to reuse construction and demolition (C&D) waste, steel slag, fly ash, red mud and other industrial by-products. They also discussed challenges related to processing methods, quality standards, project costs and market acceptance.
One of the major discussions focused on the environmentally safe treatment of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other hazardous industrial waste.
The technical session was led by Dr. Kåre Helge Karstensen of SINTEF and Dr. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Scientist at CSIR-NEERI.
Experts examined the potential of using cement kiln co-processing to treat suitable hazardous waste, including materials contaminated with DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
CSIR-NEERI presented India's National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention. The discussion also covered the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2025, other relevant regulations and information about legacy persistent organic pollutants.
SINTEF shared its international research and experience in using cement kilns for the controlled destruction of hazardous organic pollutants. The process involves high-temperature treatment while allowing suitable waste-derived fuels to replace some conventional fossil fuels.
Participants highlighted that such processes require strict technical standards, controlled industrial testing, continuous emission monitoring and compliance with environmental regulations. These safeguards are essential to prevent pollution and protect public health.
Researchers from CSIR's Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and Advanced Materials and Processes Research Institute (CSIR-AMPRI) presented opportunities to reuse industrial by-products in infrastructure development.
Their research highlighted the potential applications of materials such as fly ash, copper slag, red mud, plastic waste and steel grit in road construction, geopolymer concrete, specialised aggregates and other construction products.
These alternatives could help reduce the consumption of natural resources and provide productive uses for industrial waste that would otherwise require disposal.
CSIR-NEERI and industry representatives also discussed the technical difficulties involved in safely processing and managing hazardous industrial materials.
Another technical session, led by Dr. Christian John Engelsen of SINTEF, focused on international practices for recycling construction and demolition waste.
The discussions covered the production of construction materials using recycled aggregates, the use of mobile recycling facilities and improved processing technologies to remove unwanted impurities from waste.
Prof. S. K. Singh of CSIR-CBRI also presented research on using industrial slags and other by-products in construction materials. He highlighted the need to improve their safe and sustainable utilisation.
The dialogue identified several areas for future cooperation between Indian and Norwegian research organisations and industries.
Key proposals include:
Joint research: Preparing two to three collaborative research proposals involving CSIR, SINTEF and industry partners.
Pilot projects: Conducting demonstration projects to test technologies for hazardous waste treatment.
Technical guidelines: Developing guidelines for the safe management of DDT- and PCB-contaminated waste.
Sustainable construction materials: Advancing research into construction products made from recycled and industrial waste.
Industry-academia cooperation: Strengthening partnerships between research institutions, businesses and technology developers.
These initiatives are expected to help move research findings towards practical industrial applications.
The India-Norway dialogue represents an important step towards strengthening international cooperation in waste management and sustainable construction.
By combining India's scientific research capabilities with Norway's technological experience, the partnership aims to develop better methods for recycling industrial waste, treating hazardous materials and producing alternative construction resources.
The growing use of recycled materials could reduce pressure on natural resources, improve waste management and support more environmentally responsible infrastructure development.
Continued research, industry participation, appropriate regulations and successful pilot projects will be important for expanding these solutions. The collaboration also reflects the wider effort to make the cement and construction sectors more resource-efficient and environmentally sustainable.