Turning Foundry Waste into Roads

The CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) has taken a major step towards sustainable infrastructure by promoting the use of Waste Foundry Sand (WFS) in road construction. In a significant development, the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) has signed a collaborative Research and Development (R&D) agreement with CSIR-CRRI and Suyog Elements at the CSIR Science Centre in New Delhi.

The partnership focuses on developing innovative, scalable, and environmentally sustainable solutions for utilizing WFS, particularly from the Coimbatore foundry cluster, in road infrastructure projects.

Waste Foundry Sand (WFS), a byproduct of the metal casting industry, primarily consists of high-quality silica sand coated with binders such as bentonite or resins along with carbon. Its large-scale generation has posed environmental challenges, especially in terms of disposal and land use.

Experts highlight that repurposing WFS can significantly reduce environmental pressure. It is increasingly being used as a sustainable substitute for natural fine aggregates in concrete, geotechnical applications, and road construction. This not only enhances durability but also reduces dependence on virgin raw materials.

Officials stated that the initiative aligns with India’s broader push for circular economy practices and green infrastructure development, aiming to transform industrial waste into valuable construction resources.

Source: PIB