Exploring Zeolite Solutions for Circular Economy: Z-ONA4LIFE Open Consultation

Z-ONA4LIFE project members hosted a webinar on 23 July 2024 to share the main outcomes of the “Zeolite in Focus: Advancing Circular Economy Practices Workshop” and facilitate an open forum consultation. The objective was to gather insights from experts so a blueprint containing recommendations based on the innovative applications of Z-ONA zeolite could be developed to influence Green Deal policies. 

Launched in September 2023, Z-ONA4LIFE aims to catalyse circularity within the aluminium industry by 2027. The project unfolds through four pivotal stages: 

• Waste Selection: Addressing hazardous aluminium salt slag and Si-rich waste, exploring recovery options. 
• Products, Process, and Scaling-up: Producing Z-ONA zeolite from aluminium slag, scaling up to a pilot plant level, and recovering valuable by-products. 
• Circularity and near-zero waste: Z-ONA zeolite will be used in a variety of applications, including the treatment of gases from the aluminium industry itself and the purification of liquid effluents. In addition, spent zeolite will be used to optimise composting processes. 
• Sustainability and Results Exploitation: Demonstrating scalable Z-ONA zeolite manufacturing on a pilot scale, ensuring broad project replication, and promoting sustainability. 

Z-ONA4LIFE aims to drive sustainable aluminium production through circular economy principles. Launched in September 2023, this project aligns with key EU strategies such as the Circular Economy Action Plan, EU Industrial Strategy, Waste Framework Directive, European Green Deal, and Sustainable Development Goals.