India has the potential to turn one of its most significant problems—industrial waste—into a sustainable infrastructure solution. On February 20, 2025, IIF Coimbatore played host to a grand awareness program on foundry slag road construction at EEPC India Technology Centre, East Kolkata, on the utilization of foundry slag, the by-product of metal casting, to make synthetic materials for road construction.
The project complements the plan in India for making roads with green resources and business models for a circular economy, which can help in a great way to improve the environment and open new business opportunities.
Explore industrial startup ideas: https://www.niir.org/
What is foundry slag?
Slag from foundries is a kind of industrial waste that is created when metal is melted. Despite being frequently thrown away, it has a lot of potential as an affordable and environmentally friendly substitute for conventional road-building materials.
Senior Principal Scientist and Head of the Flexible Pavement Division at the Central Road Research Institute (CSIR), Mr. Satish Pandey, emphasized how the reuse of steel slag has already produced long-lasting road infrastructure. He added that foundry waste utilization might be accomplished using comparable techniques.
Key benefits of using slag in road construction:
- Reducing the burden on natural resources like crushed stones and gravel
- Enhances pavement strength
- Lower construction cost
- Promotes industrial waste recycling
- Reduces landfill usage
India’s Industrial Waste Generation & Road Construction Demand
India’s infrastructure expansion plan requires thousands of kilometers of new roads annually. Simultaneously, foundries—particularly in Coimbatore, Kolhapur, and Rajkot—generate millions of tonnes of slag annually.
| 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 |
This is where the “Waste to Wealth” model emerges, converting slag to synthetic aggregate, reducing costs and environmental degradation.
Success Stories from Steel to Foundry
Mr. Pandey highlighted successful steel slag road models and encouraged foundry clusters to replicate this in cities like Coimbatore. If coordinated properly, 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/
What Makes It an Opportunity for Entrepreneurs and MSMEs?
The session saw participation from over 60 industry stakeholders, with EEPC India assuring full support. Dr. S. Chandrasekar of the EEPC Coimbatore chapter emphasized the role of MSMEs in adopting these sustainable practices, creating business potential in waste processing, aggregate supply, and construction material innovation. This effort supports industrial waste recycling in India and opens doors to green infrastructure startup ideas.
Key startup opportunities:
- Slag processing units
- Slag-to-aggregate plants
- Eco-construction material startups
- Consulting for road construction using waste
Learn how to launch green businesses: https://www.youtube.com/@NIIRproject.
Role of NPCS: Turning Industrial Waste into Business Models
At Niir Project Consultancy Services (NPCS), we assist entrepreneurs and MSMEs in turning ideas into viable industries. Our techno-economic feasibility reports help startups evaluate and implement circular economy-based businesses.
We provide:
- Manufacturing process of aggregates and eco-construction products
- Market research and demand analysis
- Machinery selection and layout
- Raw material sourcing (slag logistics)
- Financial projections and ROI calculation
Start building your green startup today: https://npcsblog.com/
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/
Start Your Foundry Slag Road Construction Journey with NPCS Project Report Support
India is setting the stage for a new era of green infrastructure startup ideas, as foundry slag road construction and other industrial waste are used as essential building materials for roads. This is reinvention rather than recycling. What was once thrown away can now be turned into revenue and meaning when you use an NPCS project report as your starting point. Building roads out of foundry slag is a unique combination of corporate potential, government assistance, and environmental necessity.
Are you ready to lead the way for a successful company and a greener future?
Ready to start? Explore detailed startup guides at https://www.entrepreneurindia.co/blogs.
