Dr Silvia Tedesco, Associate Professor for Sustainability at the University of Salford’s Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI), recently delivered an online lecture for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) North West Power Division. Her talk, How can circularity improve business? introduced engineers and industry professionals to new ways of reducing waste and carbon emissions by reusing materials that would normally be thrown away.
What is circularity?
In her lecture, Silvia explained the idea of the circular economy, which focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible. Instead of the usual “take, make, dispose” approach, circularity encourages businesses to repair, recycle and find new purposes for materials. This not only helps the environment but can also save companies money and make their operations more efficient.
Silvia showed how these ideas can be applied in the paper manufacturing industry, where large amounts of waste are created every day. She also highlighted how construction – a sector responsible for almost 40% of global CO2 emissions – can benefit from using recycled materials from other industries, such as paper sludges.
Real examples from industry
Silvia shared three case studies from her research showing how waste from paper factories can be turned into useful products:
- Using paper digestate as a water substitute in concrete, helping reduce the amount of fresh water needed.
- Replacing some cement with paper fly ash, lowering the carbon footprint of building materials.
- Turning paper waste into bioenergy, which can help factories cut their dependence on fossil fuels. (article submitted for publication)
These examples show how different industries can work together to solve environmental problems while also reducing costs.
Connecting research with real-world impact
Silvia has more than ten years of experience researching how waste materials can be turned into valuable resources. She has worked with companies in Ireland, Italy, and the UK, and has secured research funding from major bodies such as EPSRC, BBSRC, Innovate UK and Science Foundation Ireland.
Speaking after the lecture, Silvia said: “It’s very satisfying to see how engineers can clearly see the application of industrial symbiosis for circular economy and how waste materials can actually become a resource.”
Her lecture also highlighted the role of the CSI at Salford, which brings together researchers, businesses and policymakers to develop new solutions for a cleaner, low-carbon economy.