Vision

Our Vision: Towards Zero-Waste Operations with Sustainable Solutions

For us, sustainability means more than environmental protection – it is an essential part of our corporate philosophy. As a leading manufacturer of low-carbon ferrochrome, we take responsibility for the future. We develop innovations that combine ecological and economic goals, thereby setting new standards for resource-efficient metallurgy.

Green Energy and Smart Processes

For us, sustainability also means energy efficiency. In the future, we will rely entirely on renewable energies such as solar, wind, and biomass power. Furthermore, we continuously optimize our production processes, for example, by utilizing process waste heat for ore drying or by further expanding energy-efficient technologies. We transparently document our progress in the AFARAK Group’s Sustainability Report (2024). In addition, we collaborate closely with universities and research institutions to develop new recycling methods and sustainable production processes. A current example is an innovative process for recycling standard scrap from the oil and gas industry.

Consistent Circular Economy Thinking

Our goal is the complete utilization of all by-products from metallurgy. Through the holistic recycling of materials, a closed loop is created in which no residues remain. This enables us to make an active contribution to climate protection and a more sustainable construction industry.

This approach brings us a decisive step closer to our major goal: by 2030, we aim to operate completely waste-free as a company – in other words, to be a true zero-waste operation. All materials are to remain in the production process or be made available to other industries as high-quality secondary raw materials.

From By-product to Future Building Material

The production of low-carbon ferrochrome (LC FeCr) generates calcium silicate slag. Through innovative process optimization at Elektrowerk Weisweiler, this by-product is to be specifically modified in the future so that it can be used as a valuable raw material for the cement and concrete industry.

The focus is on the targeted processing and treatment of hot slag to unlock different material properties and application possibilities. For example, the material can be processed into granulated blast furnace slag with latent hydraulic properties, as investigated in the “PHöMixBeton” project together with research partners and supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Furthermore, other utilization options are being examined, such as its use as carbonated, partially reactive material with pozzolanic properties as a clinker substitute or as a mineral filler in building materials.

The aim is to integrate the by-product into building material applications with the highest possible value, thereby contributing to a more resource-efficient and climate-friendly construction industry.