After 42 months of intensive collaboration, the ReSoURCE project (Refractory Sorting Using Revolutionizing Classification Equipment) has reached a successful conclusion. As a Horizon Europe initiative bringing together leading partners from research and industry, ReSoURCE stands as a testament to what coordinated European innovation can achieve.

Launched in June 2022 and running until November 2025, the project brought together a consortium of nine internationally renowned partners, supported by an €8.5 million budget, including €6 million in funding from the European Commission. Together, the partners set out to revolutionize the recycling of spent refractories — a critical but traditionally under-addressed material stream in energy-intensive industries.

Breakthrough Results for Circular Raw Materials in Europe

The consortium successfully delivered all planned outcomes, including the development and demonstration of next-generation sensor-based sorting technologies designed to significantly improve the efficiency, quality, and economic viability of refractory recycling. These advances open the door for higher use of secondary raw materials, reduced dependence on primary resources, and meaningful contributions to CO₂ emission reduction across industrial value chains.

Beyond the technological innovations, ReSoURCE strengthened collaboration between academia, technology developers, and industrial users — creating a robust foundation for future European efforts in circular raw material management.

Final Event in Brussels Highlights Impact and Future Directions

On 17 November 2025, the consortium gathered in Brussels for the ReSoURCE Final Event, joined by stakeholders from across Europe and representatives from the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). The event showcased key results, industrial case studies, and strategic perspectives on the future of circularity in heavy industries.

A closing panel discussion underscored the broader significance of the work accomplished. Speakers emphasized that EU-funded projects like ReSoURCE demonstrate the power of uniting research excellence, industrial ambition, and European policy goals to accelerate green and digital transformation.

Contributing to Europe’s Green and Industrial Agendas

ReSoURCE’s achievements directly support the objectives of the European Green Deal and the emerging EU Clean Industrial Deal, both of which call for rapid decarbonisation, strengthened strategic autonomy, and leadership in circular economy innovation. The project illustrates how breakthrough recycling technologies can reinforce Europe’s resilience while enabling industry to remain competitive during the transition to climate neutrality.

A Model for Collaborative Innovation

ReSoURCE demonstrates that collaboration across material science, digital sensing, industrial manufacturing, and recycling can lead to practical solutions that support systemic improvements in circular raw material management.

The consortium’s success provides a strong platform for future initiatives aimed at scaling circular raw materials, reducing environmental footprints, and supporting a sustainable industrial transformation across Europe.

More pictures from the final event here.