Key Takeaways:
- Harsco Environmental, under Enviri Corporation, debuts AgroSilicio, a low-carbon fertilizer, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.
- AgroSilicio is produced using recycled steel slag and is a fertilizer and soil conditioner.
- In 2022, using AgroSilicio reduced over 80,000 tons of carbon, equivalent to planting 570,000 trees.
- AgroSilicio, developed in partnership with Harsco Environmental, allows steel industry clients to recycle by-products and offers farmers a means to decrease their carbon footprint.
- Minas Gerais’ top four steel producers have incorporated AgroSilicio, with Harsco Environmental reclaiming 2.75 million tons of slag for reuse.
Harsco Environmental, a division of the global environmental solutions leader Enviri Corporation (NYSE: NVRI), has unveiled its pioneering low-carbon alternative fertilizer, AgroSilicio, in Brazil. This move is directed towards assisting the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais in considerably lowering its carbon footprint.
Originating from Harsco Environmental’s esteemed ecoproducts™ lineup, AgroSilicio is poised to redefine the utilization of industrial waste. The groundbreaking solution is underpinned by transforming recycled steel slag into a calcium silicate-based product. Beyond its fertilizer attributes, AgroSilicio doubles up as an effective soil conditioner. The inherent calcium silicate composition equips AgroSilicio with unparalleled adaptability, making it suitable for various agribusiness sectors to rectify chemical imbalances, nutrient scarcities, and soil contamination.
Wender Alves, LATAM Regional President at Harsco Environmental, emphasized the unparalleled environmental benefits, noting, “When integrated into the soil, AgroSilicio has a zero carbon emission. In the previous year alone, its deployment slashed our carbon footprint by a staggering 80,000 tons. This is equivalent to the carbon absorption of a massive 570,000 trees.”
As spotlighted in Enviri’s 2022 Environmental, Social, and Governance report, AgroSilicio’s inception stems from a synergistic alliance with Harsco Environmental. This collaboration unlocks a dual advantage: steel enterprises can now maximize the reallocation of their by-products. At the same time, the agricultural community can harness the power of AgroSilicio to cut down on carbon emissions. Additionally, the product retains its capacity for soil acidity correction, ensuring that farmers can rely on its enhanced fertilization efficacy.
Addressing the growing environmental concerns, Alves added, “Our clientele is continually seeking cutting-edge solutions to mitigate environmental degradation. AgroSilicio stands as a testament to this endeavor. Our unwavering commitment is to spearhead avant-garde sustainability drives, aiding our stakeholders and local communities in reducing their carbon footprints.”
Harsco Environmental’s influence permeates Minas Gerais’ four predominant steel manufacturers, wherein AgroSilicio has been incorporated. The company has triumphantly recovered 2.75 million tons of slag for repurposing, with 250,000 tons channeled towards AgroSilicio’s production.
Harsco Environmental’s legacy of transmuting waste into invaluable resources shines through in Minas Gerais. The company’s relentless pursuit of sustainability anchors its endeavors in recycling and reutilizing steel slag, fostering a circular economy via its AgroSilicio ecoproduct™ range.
About Harsco Environmental
Specializing in material processing and environmental solutions, Harsco’s Environmental division is the foremost provider to the worldwide metals sector. They are present at over 130 client locations across 32+ nations. With a focus on cleaner and more efficient metal production, Harsco offers solutions that are both economically and environmentally sound.
About Enviri
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Enviri leads the charge in offering diverse environmental services and groundbreaking solutions worldwide. Their mission revolves around assisting clients in addressing intricate environmental challenges and attaining their sustainability objectives.
Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash
