India is on the verge of converting one of the largest industrial woes in its history into a sustainable infrastructure approach. On 20 February 2025, EEPC India Technology Centre organized a significant knowledge session with The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), Coimbatore, to discuss the application of foundry slag-a by-product of metal casting processes-for the building of synthetic aggregates for use in road construction. This foundry waste to wealth initiative comes at a time when India is speeding towards eco-friendly infrastructure and circular economy models, thus making it a solution for environment and business.
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What is Foundry Slag and Why Does it Matter?
Foundry slag is a type of industrial waste generated during metal smelting operations. Traditionally discarded or underutilized, it contains great promise as an alternative construction material.
Satish Pandey, Senior Principal Scientist, Head, Flexible Pavement Division, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, gave a keynote address on how steel slag has been put to good sustainable use in constructing roads, and the same was applicable for foundry slag.
Benefits of using slag in road construction:
- Reduce the burden on natural resources such as crushed stones and gravel
- Increase the strength of the pavement
- Slash down costs
- Recycle industrial waste
- Fewer landfills
India’s Industrial Waste Generation & Road Construction Demand
India’s infrastructure expansion plans will require the nationwide construction of thousands of kilometers of new roads each year. At the same time, foundries generate millions of tonnes of slag each year, particularly in Coimbatore, Kolhapur, and Rajkot.
| Segment | Estimated Annual Waste |
| Steel Plants (Slag) | 17–19 million tonnes |
| Foundry Sector (Slag) | 2–3 million tonnes |
| Road Construction Need | 1.2 billion tonnes of aggregate annually |
The “Waste to Weath” model furthers synthetic aggregates from slag, reducing costs and environmental hazards.
Success Stories from Steel to Foundry
Mr. Pandey illustrated successful steel slag road models and urged foundry clusters to replicate these in places like Coimbatore. If coordinated in such a way, foundries can not only save on waste disposal but also become aggregate suppliers to construction contractors.
Business idea alert: Foundry slag-based aggregate units. Learn more at https://www.entrepreneurindia.co/
Why It’s an Opportunity for MSMEs & Entrepreneurs
The session was attended by more than 60 industry stakeholders, with EEPC India assuring full support. Dr. S Chandrasekar, of EEPC Coimbatore chapter, took the lead in emphasizing the role of MSMEs in sustaining these practices, thereby opening business prospects in waste processing, aggregate supply, and construction material innovation.
A few key startup possibilities:
- Slag processing units
- Slag-to-aggregate plants
- Eco-construction material startups
- Consultancy for road construction using waste
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Role of NPCS: Turning Industrial Waste into Business Models
We assist entrepreneurs and MSMEs at Niir Project Consultancy Services (NPCS) in transforming concepts into feasible industries. Our techno-economic feasibility reports are designed to facilitate the evaluation and implementation of circular economy-business-related ventures by startups.
We are providing:
- Manufacturing process of aggregates and eco-construction products
- Market research and demand analysis
- Machine selection and layout
- Raw Material Sourcing (Slag logistics)
- Financial Projections and ROI calculation
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Related Blog Reads for Eco-Businesses
- How to Start an Aggregate Production Business
- Opportunities in Green Building Materials Manufacturing
- Recycling Industrial Waste into Profits
- How to Start a Construction Raw Material Business in India
- Top Waste Management Business Ideas in India
Read more at https://www.niir.org/blog/
Way Forward
Foundry Waste to Wealth is more than a sustainability initiative — it’s a business revolution. Transforming wasted materials into material suitable for infrastructure will help India lower its expenditures and waste while forging more robust roads. The early bird entrepreneurs will benefit from government endorsements, rising market demands, and a global shift to sustainable materials.
Want to get started? See comprehensive startup guides at: https://www.entrepreneurindia.co/blogs
