The productisation of stainless steel slags, a unique initiative in Italy, has been a decisive step toward more environmentally sustainable industry. Industrial waste has been transformed into certified products suitable for a wide range of applications.
TapoEKO Moves to Market
Tapojärvi Italia currently holds CE marking for the TapoEKO product range, and commercialisation is already underway. TapoEKO products are certified according to key European standards:
• UNI EN 13043 (bituminous mixtures)
• UNI EN 12620 (concrete)
• UNI EN 13139 (mortars)
The company holds ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, complemented by the UNI/PdR 88:2020 certification. This specifically covers TapoEKO Mix filler, made of 100% recycled material and compliant with the Italian Ministry of Environment’s minimum environmental criteria (CAM).
High Performance Confirmed Through Testing
TapoEKO materials are already successfully used in mortars, concrete, and bituminous mixtures. Laboratory tests and industrial trials demonstrate their high mechanical performance, durability, and environmental safety.
This has opened doors not only to established applications but also to entirely new market opportunities.
Concrete Performance Equal to Natural Aggregates
In concrete production, TapoEKO filler performs well across multiple strength classes. Results have been positive with both Portland and pozzolanic cements. Comparisons with natural aggregates confirm the technical suitability of TapoEKO products for diverse uses.
Additional trials are ongoing to evaluate the material’s behaviour with different admixtures, aiming to improve workability and consistency.
Bituminous Mixtures: Broad Compliance with Requirements
For bituminous mixtures, the results have been equally strong. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the aggregates, together with laboratory and field tests, show that TapoEKO filler meets the standards for secondary raw materials and is suitable for production according to UNI EN 13043.
Precast Products and Bitumen Membranes
In concrete construction, TapoEKO has been used in large modular blocks, the so-called “Lego blocks.” Tests have produced positive results both in the short and long term, with environmental requirements fully met.
TapoEKO filler also replaces traditional limestone powder in bitumen membranes, with tests confirming performance equivalent to previously used materials.
Recycled Aggregates: Promising Initial Results
In recent weeks, Tapojärvi Italia has also productised aggregates separated from steel slag. Initial tests focus on a single-fraction 0–20 mm material that is homogeneous, clean, and free of organic matter. Its specific weight is slightly higher than that of natural aggregates, and early findings indicate potential for significant strength improvements in various applications.
Next steps include assessing suitability of different grain sizes, water absorption, compatibility with admixtures, and mixture workability.
A New Italian Recovery Chain
Two and a half years of work are now clearly visible: achieving End of Waste status has enabled Italy’s first recovery chain for stainless steel slags, producing certified materials already used in industrial applications.
And as often said, one milestone is merely the starting point for the next. At Tapojärvi, this is well understood.
