Circular Economy and Green Transition Processes: Impurity Management

Implementing the green transition of industry requires more efficient circulation of materials and carbon. However, these circular economy processes carry the risk that impurities may accumulate in intermediate or final products, affecting process performance or the quality and safety of the products. Monitoring and managing impurities is therefore a key prerequisite for safe and efficient circular economy processes. The target group of the project consists of companies in the North Savo region that need methods for monitoring and controlling impurities in raw materials, side streams, and final products, as well as for identifying methods to make more efficient use of side streams and increase their value. The project will establish a pilot environment for monitoring and testing and of carbon dioxide capture process; develop capabilities for monitoring and managing various impurities such as PFAS compounds, micro- and nanoplastics, and heavy metals; investigate the concentrations and accumulation of these impurities in different circular economy processes; and use the information obtained to control and reduce impurities. The analytical methods and pilot environments being developed will strengthen the region’s RDI infrastructure and expertise related to circular economy, technical carbon sinks and specifically impurity monitoring and management. The project will enhance the ability of the participating organizations to meet the needs of local companies, research and development activities, and education and training, while also enabling the region to apply for international research and development funding related to the topic.