EMR scrap blending project makes honors list

RECTIFI project research by scrap recycler and its partners has been selected for consideration at the 2023 World Sustainability Awards.


A research project being undertaken by scrap recycling firm EMR Ltd., in combination with a steelmaker and a concrete producer also based in the United Kingdom, has been shortlisted for the External Partnership Award at this year’s World Sustainability Awards, according to EMR. 

Two areas of research undertaken involving EMR in the RECTIFI (Reducing Embedded Carbon Through Transformation of Foundation Industries) project seeks to create new high-quality grades of steel scrap and produce a sustainable alternative raw material that can be consumed in cement kilns.

EMR says the steel and cement industries combined may be responsible for nearly one-fifth of global carbon emissions, helping explain why RECTIFI has targeted the two sectors.

“RECTIFI is a hugely important project [that] offers a way to dramatically reduce the emissions of two of the most carbon-intensive industries—steel and cement manufacturing," says Alexander Thompson, innovation project manager at EMR. "It’s fantastic news that the World Sustainability Awards has recognized this and chosen to shortlist RECTIFI for the coveted External Partnership award.

“As a world-leading producer of sustainable materials, EMR knows how valuable recycled steel will be in the transition towards a low-carbon, circular economy.”

Thompson also credits U.K. steel mill operator Tata Steel for its role in the project, as well as cement producer Darlow Lloyd & Sons and Swansea University in Wales.

“To be recognized for all of this, so early in our journey, is hugely rewarding for everybody involved with RECTIFI,” Thompson adds.

EMR says its RECTIFI research has been shortlisted along with sustainable partnerships led by businesses including spirits producer Diageo, AT&T and Heineken. The winner will be announced at the 2023 World Sustainability Congress in October in Amsterdam.