Co-product management and circular economy

generation and disposal of electric arc furnace dust

Abstract

Sustainability has become increasingly evident in both companies and the market. Concern for the environment and quality of life is leading companies, especially steelmakers, to look for alternatives for reusing and recovering the waste generated in their production processes. The general aim of this study was to highlight the importance of co-product management and the circular economy in the generation and disposal of electric steel mill dust (EAP). Specifically, the aim was to describe how the flow of management and generation of co-products works, as well as to show the importance of using the tools applied to improving waste management. This was an exploratory study in terms of its objectives, which focus on exploring possibilities and scenarios that have not yet been discovered, and a basic study in terms of its nature, whose main objective is to advance scientific knowledge, without any concern for the immediate applicability of the results to be obtained. Bibliographical research was used to collect the data. It was possible to conclude through the study that all industries need positive results, especially when we refer to the generation of waste and environmentally correct disposal, or even the destination of the waste generated as a possible substitute for raw materials, that is, its return to a production process. It is worth noting that the presentation of the Circular Economy model proved to be valid and beneficial for the steel industry, due to the advantages of reintegrating waste into the process or sending it as raw material to another type of industry. This form of consumption will result in gains for society as a whole. It is worth noting that the presentation of the Circular Economy model proved to be valid and beneficial for the steel industry, due to the advantages of reintegrating waste into the process or sending it as raw material to another type of industry. This form of consumption will result in gains for society as a whole.