The HEPHAESTUS project was proudly represented at the ESTEP & FEhS Slag Workshop 2025, held on 5 and 6 March in Duisburg, Germany. The event, jointly organised by the European Steel Technology Platform (ESTEP) and the FEhS Institute, gathered key experts from the European steel sector to explore the role of slags and other by-products in driving the transition toward a circular and climate-neutral industry.

Vincenzo Pepe, Process Engineer at RINA Consulting (Centro Sviluppo Materiali, Rome), took the stage to present the innovative solutions developed within HEPHAESTUS. His presentation highlighted how the project contributes directly to the goals of the European Green Deal by advancing sustainable approaches to the treatment and reuse of steelmaking residues.

HEPHAESTUS is focused on transforming electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, slags, and other industrial residues into valuable secondary resources. Through its integrated approach, the project enables both metal recovery and material valorisation, while reducing environmental impact and dependence on primary raw materials.

During his presentation, Vincenzo Pepe outlined several key innovations from HEPHAESTUS:

• The use of the CleanTech Furnace, which enables efficient carbothermic reduction of fine-particle waste materials.
• The application of the EZINEX process for the selective extraction of high-purity zinc from EAF dust.
• The slag fiberization technology, which converts slag into mineral wool for insulation applications.
• The broader impact of these combined technologies in reducing CO₂ emissions and promoting circularity in the metallurgical value chain.

The ESTEP–FEhS workshop focused on multiple dimensions of by-product management in the decarbonisation of the steel industry. Topics ranged from current statistics on slag use, new technologies for valorisation, and regulatory challenges, to the evolving role of by-products in low-carbon steelmaking. In this context, HEPHAESTUS stood out as a clear example of how circular economy principles can be implemented in practice, delivering environmental, economic, and technological benefits.

The participation of HEPHAESTUS in this workshop, through Vincenzo Pepe’s presentation, reinforces the project’s contribution to EU policy objectives on sustainability, resource efficiency, and industrial resilience. As steel production evolves under the pressure of climate targets, projects like HEPHAESTUS will play a vital role in demonstrating how innovation can unlock new value from materials that were once considered waste.