Interview: Jagannath Prasad Routray
CEO, Recycling Business at Runaya
Green Technologies in Heavy Industry: Runaya’s Path to Net Zero and Circular Manufacturing
March 06, 2025. By Abha Rustagi

Que: How do you see the role of green technologies evolving in industrial manufacturing, especially in heavy industries like aluminium production?
Ans: Green technologies are no longer a choice but a necessity in industrial manufacturing, especially in resource-intensive sectors like aluminium production. The global push toward decarbonisation, coupled with stringent ESG mandates, has accelerated the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices.
At Runaya, sustainability fuels innovation. Our green aluminium recovery process boasts one of the industry’s lowest carbon footprints— less than 500 kg of CO₂ per tonne of aluminium, significantly lower than traditional methods. We are committed to transitioning to 100% renewable energy by FY27, further reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
Additionally, Runaya’s operations are aligned with circular economy principles. By scaling our dross recycling capacity to 50,000 tonnes per annum by FY26 and repurposing 60% of dross into value- added products for steelmaking, we actively contribute to zero-waste manufacturing. The impact of green technologies in this sector is evident in our projected revenue growth, propelling the group from INR 500 crore in FY24 to INR 900 crore in FY25—demonstrating that sustainability and financial performance can go hand in hand.
Que: What are the key technological innovations driving resource efficiency and emissions reduction in your operations?
Ans: Technology is at the core of our sustainability-driven business model. At the forefront of our technological advancement, the calcium aluminate facility proudly houses the largest electric arc furnace in India among Calcium Aluminate plants, ensuring unparalleled efficiency and productivity.
One of our key innovations is our aluminium recovery process, which enables us to recover up to 90% of the available aluminium from dross—a figure well above the industry average. This process ensures that what was once considered hazardous waste is transformed into valuable, high-quality materials.
By FY27, Runaya aims to use 100% renewable energy, saving approximately 150,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually through advanced energy efficient measures and process optimisation. These initiatives collectively reinforce our commitment to reducing emissions, enhancing efficiency, and scaling sustainable metal recovery.
Que: How do you compare the impact of emerging green technologies in India versus global markets?
Ans: India is at a crucial turning point in adopting green technologies. While global markets have had an early start due to stringent sustainability regulations, India is now rapidly aligning itself with international best practices. The Indian government’s push for net-zero emissions by 2070 and recent policies promoting circular economy models are accelerating the adoption of green technologies in industrial manufacturing.
Runaya is at the forefront of this shift. Our collaboration with global leaders such as ECKART and TAHA International allows us to bring world-class innovations to India while setting benchmarks for sustainability in domestic aluminium recovery.
On a financial scale, the global industrial waste management market is projected to reach USD 1.6 trillion by 2030. With Runaya, as a group, aiming to reach a revenue milestone of USD 1 billion (~INR 8,000 crore) by FY30, we are positioning ourselves to be a major player in both Indian and international sustainability markets, driven largely by our recycling businesses.
Que: Runaya has pioneered a zero-waste, zero-discharge approach to aluminium dross recycling. Can you share insights into the efficiency and impact of this process?
Ans: Runaya’s zero-waste, zero-discharge approach is built on technological leadership and a strong sustainability framework. Our recovered aluminium has an ultra-low carbon footprint of less than 500 kg of CO₂ per tonne.
We currently process 40,000 tonnes of aluminium dross, preventing this hazardous material from reaching landfills. By FY26, we will expand our dross processing capacity to 50,000 tonnes per annum, significantly reducing waste generation in the aluminium industry. Additionally, 60% of depleted dross residue is converted into value-added products, which are repurposed into steel industry inputs, ensuring that valuable resources are reintegrated into industrial cycles.
Beyond aluminium, our metal recovery operations focus on zinc and lead smelter residues treatment, enhancing the sustainability of the broader metals sector. Our ongoing expansion and innovation are aimed at scaling these solutions globally, proving that a zero-waste industrial model is both financially viable and environmentally critical.
Que: Given that industrial waste management and green recycling are projected to reach USD 1.6 trillion globally by 2030, how do you see Runaya’s role in shaping this market?
Ans: Runaya is at the forefront of the green industrial waste management revolution. Our ambitious growth strategy reflects this:
Group Revenue growth from INR 500 crore in FY24 to INR 900 crore in FY25, with a long-term target of USD 1 billion (~INR 8,000 crore) by FY30..
These strategic initiatives position Runaya as a global leader in industrial waste recycling, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation. By integrating advanced technologies and scaling our zero-waste solutions, we are actively shaping the future of the green metals industry.
Que: ESG mandates are reshaping industrial practices worldwide. How have recent regulatory developments influenced your sustainability strategies?
Ans: Regulatory policies around ESG are becoming increasingly stringent, pushing industries to adopt sustainable practices.
Runaya has proactively aligned with these mandates through concrete, measurable goals:
● Transitioning to 100% renewable energy by FY27 to reduce carbon emissions of 150,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.
● Becoming 100% water positive in the next two years
● Preventing over 1 million tonnes of waste annually by 2028 through innovative waste processing technologies.
Our ESG framework is designed not just to comply with global regulatory shifts but to exceed them. By embedding sustainability into our core operations, we ensure that Runaya remains ahead of industry requirements while maintaining financial resilience.
Que: Your collaboration with TAHA International has enabled a breakthrough in aluminium dross processing. Are there similar global partnerships in the pipeline?
Ans: Our partnership with TAHA International has been a game-changer in aluminium dross processing.
Over the past three years, we have deployed TAHA’s Hot Dross Processing technology, along with our advanced cold dross processing methods, across multiple Indian smelters. This has resulted in:
• A zero-waste process for producing high-value products from metal-depleted dross residues, further enhancing sustainability.
• Beyond TAHA, our partnerships with Minova & ECKART have further strengthened Runaya’s position as a global leader in sustainable and innovative solutions. Our collaboration with ECKART has enabled us to drive advancements to establish an advanced aluminium powder unit in Odisha, catering to high-demand international markets while our partnership with Minova has reinforced our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions for the mining and infrastructure industries.
As we continue to scale, we are actively exploring new global partnerships to strengthen our leadership in green metals and resource recovery.
please contact: contact@energetica-india.net.