The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) on May 29, 2026, notified regarding the Inclusion of Blast Furnace Slag utilization in glass manufacturing as one of the avenues under Section 6.8 of the CPCB Guidelines on Management of Pyrometallurgical Slags Iron & Steel Slags), December 2023.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) issued guidelines in December 2023 for the management of pyro-metallurgical slags (iron and steel slag), emphasizing efficient utilization and environmental protection. Key provisions mandate that iron and steel plants maximize internal reuse of slag and recover valuable materials using best available technologies. The guidelines also specify approved applications such as cement production, use as aggregates in concrete, manufacturing of blocks/bricks/tiles, and in road and railway construction. Any additional use requires prior approval from CPCB through the respective SPCBs/PCCs.
Subsequently, a proposal to include the use of granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in glass manufacturing was submitted by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), based on a detailed study conducted by SVNIT Surat. This proposal was reviewed by CPCB’s Expert Committee constituted for evaluating high-volume low-effect wastes. The committee deliberated on the proposal in its meetings held on January 27, 2026 and February 27, 2026.
After detailed examination, the Expert Committee recommended incorporating the use of iron and steel slag (blast furnace slag) as a raw material in the glass manufacturing industry. This recommendation was subsequently approved by the competent authority, thereby expanding the scope of slag utilization under the existing guidelines and promoting circular economy practices.
The approval is subject to certain conditions, including limiting storage of reject material to a maximum of three months, ensuring tie-ups with industries for timely disposal of rejects, and adopting safe transportation practices with adequate dust suppression measures. Additionally, SPCBs/PCCs may impose further conditions while granting consent, ensuring environmental safeguards are maintained.
[Notification No. CP-99/140/2021-IPC-LHO-CРСB/2353]
