11.10.2025
International
Refractory materials are often regarded as a technical niche topic – but in fact, they are a key lever for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries. Their targeted recycling can save millions of tonnes of CO₂ and reduce dependence on raw material imports. Karl-Michael Zettl, Head of Marketing & Solutions at RHI Magnesita, a global supplier of refractory products and Nenad Tanasic, CEO of Mireco, a European recycling platform, explain why circular economy concepts are becoming strategically indispensable for industry – and why they only work through collaboration.
Mr. Zettl, Mr. Tanasic – refractory materials are a niche topic for many people. Why do they nevertheless play a central role in the green transformation?
Zettl: Nothing in industry works without refractory products. They enable high-temperature processes – whether in steel or cement production. But they wear out and need to be replaced regularly. The big question is: do I dispose of them – or do I return them as raw materials? The latter reduces dependence on raw material imports and significantly lowers CO₂ emissions.
Tanasic: In addition, magnesia and other primary raw materials used to make refractory products are particularly CO₂-intensive. By replacing them with recycled materials, we can cut the carbon footprint by up to 90 %. That’s measurable and directly relevant for our customers.
You talk about a “CO₂-optimized refractory concept.” What does that mean in concrete terms?
Zettl: We calculate the product carbon footprint of every furnace lining and, based on that, develop alternatives with a higher recycled content. The key point is that these products have the same quality and performance as primary products – but with significantly lower CO₂ emissions. This allows companies to achieve their ESG targets more quickly and cost-effectively over the long term.
How does the recycling process work in practice?
Tanasic: We manage the entire cycle: dismantling, sorting, processing and reintegration. This is not a “waste business,” but targeted raw material recovery. In 2025, we will process around 250,000 tonnes that will not end up in landfills – that corresponds to almost 500,000 tonnes of CO₂ saved.
Zettl: And we reduce import dependencies. Given current geopolitical tensions, that’s an economic argument, not just an ecological one.
You call this model “CERO-Waste.” How does it differ from traditional recycling?
Tanasic: Recycling works best when everyone is involved – manufacturers, users and recyclers. That’s why we see CERO-Waste as a partnership model where sustainable, creative, effective and economically viable solutions are developed collaboratively.
Zettl: We’re not talking about one-off projects here, but about a raw materials strategy. Those who integrate circular material flows early on gain supply security and competitive advantages.
What specific benefits do customers experience?
Tanasic: First: professional and legally compliant disposal. Second: transparent and value-based reintegration. Third: reduced dependence thanks to locally generated sustainable raw materials.
Zettl: There’s also the reputational aspect: investors and customers reward companies that implement circular economy principles systemically. This is increasingly reflected in ratings as well.
What specific benefits do customers experience?
Tanasic: First: professional and legally compliant disposal. Second: transparent and value-based reintegration. Third: reduced dependence thanks to locally generated sustainable raw materials.
Zettl: There’s also the reputational aspect: investors and customers reward companies that implement circular economy principles systemically. This is increasingly reflected in ratings as well.
How has industry responded so far?
Zettl: Demand is clearly rising. Many companies have realized that circularity allows them to achieve three goals simultaneously: lower CO₂ emissions, stabilize costs, and secure supply.
Tanasic: The pressure is growing: “sustainability” alone is no longer enough – what’s needed are robust strategies for raw material cycles. Those who fail to act risk regulatory disadvantages and competitive losses.
What specific contribution do refractory products make to green steel initiatives?
Zettl: Around 22 kg of CO₂ per tonne of steel come from refractory materials alone. That may sound small, but it’s a significant lever when you consider that around 2 billion tonnes of steel are produced worldwide each year.
Tanasic: Whether the recycled materials are reused in refractory products or turned into purpose-made metallurgical additives used directly in steelmaking—we’re always talking about several thousand tons of CO₂ saved per year. Aside from fundamental technology changes, that’s far more impactful than most customer-led initiatives.
(Source: Contentway GmbH)
Schlagworte
Circular EconomyCO2ConstuctionEmissionsGreen SteelSteelSustainability
