Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In a regional first, Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer EMSTEEL has converted steel waste into low-carbon cement through a large-scale project, setting new standards for circular economy practices in the industrial sector.
EMSTEEL marks the pioneering milestone in time for World Environment Day, which is observed on June 5 every year.
Speaking to Aletihad, Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO EMSTEEL, expressed pride in their team's successful recycling of steel slag, a byproduct of steel-making, into 10,000 tonnes of cement.
"This initiative is not only technologically significant but also sets a new benchmark for how industrial by-products can be transformed into valuable resources. It affirms the feasibility of industrial circularity and positions us at the forefront of sustainable innovation in heavy industry," Al Remeithi said.
This achievement, he added, is a significant step toward EMSTEEL's 2030 climate goals: a 40% absolute greenhouse gas reduction from its steel division and a 30% reduction from its cement division.
"By incorporating steel slag at scale as a raw material for clinker and cement production, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and creating a practical model for circular industrial operations," the group CEO said.
This pilot project also serves as a distinctive example of how the integration of steel and cement operations enhances efficiency while advancing sustainability efforts.
Aligning operations across steel and cement sectors allows companies to innovate, capture emissions reduction, and unlock hidden value at scale, Al Remeithi said.
"EMSTEEL's model exemplifies how vertical integration can serve as a blueprint for other industrial players seeking to decarbonise while maintaining profitability. It is a strong signal that the future of heavy industry lies in collaboration, resource efficiency, and smart, circular design," he said.
Climate Goals
Through its latest circular economy project, EMSTEEL reaffirms its commitment to supporting the UAE's climate ambitions.
"We are dedicated to driving industrial decarbonisation in line with the UAE's goal of a 27% reduction in industrial emissions by 2035 from 2019 levels,"Al Remeithi said.
"The group has already made substantial progress in reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, as well as emissions intensity between 2019 and 2023. As of 2023, our total Scope 1 and 2 emissions stood at 4.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide - 23% below the baseline year of 2019. We are also on track to fully power our operations with clean and renewable energy by 2030."
