Press Release

Refractory Recycling Market is expected to Grow with a CAGR of 8.99% through 2030

The Refractory Recycling Market is driven by rising environmental regulations, increasing raw material costs, and growing demand for sustainable practices in steel, cement, and glass industries to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency.


According to TechSci Research report, “Refractory Recycling Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2030F”, the Refractory Recycling Market was valued at USD 12.64 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 21.38 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.99%. 

A primary market driver for the Refractory Recycling Market is the escalating demand for sustainable and cost-effective solutions in high-temperature industrial processes, particularly within sectors such as steel, cement, and glass manufacturing. As industries face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, the recycling of spent refractories emerges as a pivotal strategy to minimize waste and lower carbon emissions.

Recycled refractories offer a viable alternative to virgin materials, aligning with global sustainability goals and regulatory mandates aimed at promoting circular economy practices. Moreover, the economic benefits of recycling, including reduced raw material costs and decreased reliance on energy-intensive production methods, further incentivize adoption. Technological advancements have enhanced the efficiency and quality of recycling processes, enabling the production of high-grade recycled refractory materials suitable for demanding applications. Additionally, the growing scarcity and price volatility of raw materials like magnesite underscore the strategic importance of recycling in ensuring supply chain stability. Collectively, these factors contribute to the robust growth trajectory of the Refractory Recycling Market, positioning it as a critical component in the transition towards more sustainable industrial operations.


Browse over XX Market data Figures spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on the "Global Refractory Recycling Market.” 


Based on the End-User, Iron & Steel segment held the largest Market share in 2024. A major market driver for the Refractory Recycling Market in the Iron & Steel segment is the growing demand for cost-effective and sustainable solutions in steel production, driven by increasing environmental regulations and the need to reduce raw material dependency. Refractories, which are critical to high-temperature processes in steelmaking—such as lining furnaces, ladles, and kilns—face constant wear and tear and need frequent replacement. Traditionally, spent refractories were discarded in landfills, but rising landfill costs, strict environmental disposal norms, and growing awareness of circular economic principles have led to increased interest in recycling these materials.

In the iron and steel industry, which accounts for the largest consumption of refractories globally, recycling spent refractories offers significant cost savings by reducing the need for virgin raw materials such as bauxite, magnesia, and alumina. Recycled refractories, once processed and refined, can be reused either as secondary raw materials in new refractory production or as aggregates in road construction and cement. This reuse not only reduces material procurement costs but also decreases the carbon footprint of production processes—an increasingly important factor for steel manufacturers under pressure to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals and align with global decarbonization efforts.

Additionally, technological advancements in sorting, cleaning, and processing of spent refractories have made recycling more economically viable and efficient, encouraging greater adoption. Equipment innovations now enable higher recovery rates and better-quality control, which translates to more consistent secondary raw materials suitable for steelmaking applications.

Governments across regions such as the European Union, North America, and parts of Asia are also supporting the transition to greener industrial practices through subsidies, regulations, and mandates that favor recycling and resource recovery. Furthermore, steel manufacturers are increasingly incorporating closed-loop recycling systems within their operations to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce reliance on external raw material markets, which are often subject to price volatility and geopolitical disruptions.

As the global steel industry continues to grow, particularly in emerging markets across Asia-Pacific, the demand for reliable, cost-efficient, and eco-friendly refractory solutions is projected to increase sharply. Large integrated steel plants and electric arc furnace (EAF)-based mini mills are recognizing the strategic advantages of refractory recycling, including reduced operational downtime and better inventory control. Industry collaborations and partnerships between refractory producers, steel manufacturers, and recycling technology providers are also fostering innovation and scaling up recycling infrastructure.

The growth of the refractory recycling market in the iron and steel segment is being propelled by economic drivers such as cost savings, operational efficiency, and raw material security, alongside environmental and regulatory pressures that mandate sustainable waste management practices. These converging factors are positioning refractory recycling not just as an optional strategy, but as an essential component of sustainable and competitive steel production in the years ahead.

Based on region, Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the Refractory Recycling Market, driven by rapid industrialization and expanding manufacturing sectors such as steel, cement, and glass. Rising environmental regulations and increasing raw material costs are compelling industries to adopt sustainable recycling practices. Additionally, government initiatives promoting waste management and resource efficiency are accelerating market growth. The presence of major industrial hubs in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asia further supports demand for cost-effective refractory recycling solutions. Improved recycling technologies and growing awareness of environmental sustainability contribute to Asia Pacific’s leading position in the global refractory recycling market.


Major companies operating in the Global Refractory Recycling Market are:

  • RHI Magnesita N.V.
  • Saint-Gobain S.A.
  • Calderys (Imerys S.A.)
  • Morgan Advanced Materials plc
  • Magnezit Group
  • Lhoist Group
  • HarbisonWalker International, LLC
  • Mineração Curimbaba Ltda.
  • Boral Limited
  • Refratechnik Holding GmbH


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“The Global Refractory Recycling Market is expected to rise in the upcoming years and register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The Refractory Recycling Market offers significant growth potential, propelled by stringent environmental regulations, escalating raw material costs, and a global emphasis on sustainable industrial operations. Increasing demand from key end-use sectors such as steel, cement, and glass for cost-effective, environmentally responsible refractory materials is driving adoption of recycled solutions. Technological advancements in sorting and processing are enhancing recycling efficiency and economic viability. Furthermore, the shift toward circular economy models is motivating manufacturers to implement closed-loop systems, improving resource utilization. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific and Latin America present lucrative opportunities, supported by expanding industrialization and heightened focus on sustainable waste management. Therefore, the Market of Refractory Recycling is expected to boost in the upcoming years.,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director of TechSci Research, a research-based global management consulting firm.

Refractory Recycling Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented, By Product (Silica, Alumina, Magnesia), By End-User (Iron & Steel, Cement & Lime, Glass & Ceramics, Non-Ferrous Metals), By Region, By Competition, 2020-2030F”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Refractory Recycling Market and provides statistics & information on the Market size, structure, and future Market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge Market intelligence and help decision-makers make sound investment decisions., The report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Global Refractory Recycling Market.

 

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