In a major step toward sustainable infrastructure development, the CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) is advancing the use of industrial waste—specifically Waste Foundry Sand (WFS)—in road construction, reinforcing India’s transition toward a circular economy.
The initiative gained momentum with the signing of a collaborative Research & Development (R&D) agreement between CSIR-CRRI, the Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF), and Suyog Elements India Pvt. Ltd. at the CSIR Science Centre in New Delhi. The agreement aims to develop scalable and sustainable solutions for utilizing foundry sand waste generated in the Coimbatore industrial cluster.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Director General of CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, emphasized that integrating industrial by-products into infrastructure reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency. She noted that such collaborations can transform waste into valuable construction materials while supporting India’s infrastructure growth.
Waste Foundry Sand, a by-product of the metal casting industry, poses significant environmental challenges due to its large-scale generation and disposal requirements. By incorporating WFS into road construction, the initiative aligns with national priorities such as waste minimization, reduced dependency on natural aggregates, and environmentally responsible development.
Dr. Ch. Ravi Sekhar, Director of CSIR-CRRI, highlighted the institute’s leadership in developing innovative road technologies and described the use of WFS as a transformative step toward converting industrial waste into valuable infrastructure resources.
Industry stakeholders also underscored the importance of the initiative. Sushil Sharma, President of IIF, pointed out that the Coimbatore foundry cluster—India’s largest, with nearly 800–1000 units—generates substantial quantities of waste sand, creating environmental challenges. This project aims to address these issues through scientific reuse, turning waste into a productive asset.
The research program will involve detailed characterization of different types of foundry sand, including green sand and resin-bonded sand, and the development of customized processing techniques for road applications. The effort is also expected to replicate the success of steel slag road technologies in promoting waste-to-wealth solutions.
Key expected outcomes of the initiative include promoting sustainable road construction practices, reducing reliance on natural materials, improving industrial waste management, and supporting India’s broader vision of green infrastructure and circular economy.
The collaboration represents a significant step in strengthening industry–research partnerships and accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly materials in infrastructure development across the country.
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