To obtain a sustainable society it is important to manage the earth’s resources in a sound and efficient manner, and to minimise waste generation. This includes keeping most materials in circulation, while environmentally harmful substances are handled properly. Our research on recycling systems and valorisation of waste resources has been ever more relevant as the focus on a circular economy has increased, leading to national objectives concerning waste sent to recycling and recycling rates.

In the last decades we have undertaken a wide spectrum of projects for waste companies, municipalities, waste treatment facilities, recycling schemes and authorities. We have developed models for calculation of environmental benefits of proper management of waste resources. The results have led to improvements in the value chains and to policy development and political decisions, on a regional and national level. Models include those for plastic, cardboard, paper, textiles, food waste, glass and metal packaging, hazardous waste, and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

NORSUS is also involved in projects examining CCS value chains for CO2 emissions from energy recovery plants and process industry, and industrial symbiosis for optimal use of material- and energy resources across companies and production facilities.₂-utslipp fra energigjenvinning av avfall og prosessindustri, og med industriell symbiose for best mulig utnyttelse av material- og energiressurser på tvers av bedrifter og virksomheter innenfor et geografisk område.