Alternative feedstocks to promote bio-based and circular economy in industrial intensive sectors: the RETROFEED project approach

European countries depend highly on the feedstock import markets which are progressively becoming more variable and unstable. The RETROFEED project will promote a more robust and sustainable value chain incorporating the alternative feedstock in the Resource and Energy Intensive Industries (REIIs). The present study has contemplated the current feedstock to be partially or totally replaced and the alternative feedstock or internal waste to be considered according to quality requirements, market availability, and competitive pricing. While the ceramic sector has centred its effort on the re-use of internal process waste, the aluminium sector, has focused on the introduction of a wider range of recycled raw material. The cement sector, on the other hand, has explored prospective alternatives feedstock for energy production, among which biomass and refused derived fuels can be highlighted. The steel sector intends to curtail fossil fuel dependency through employing biochar and polymeric-derived residues, such as plastic and rubber. Finally, the agrochemical sector plans to partially replace their main phosphorous source by more sustainable materials, such as ashes derived from biomass combustion and organic wastes.