The Puglia region has taken a new step toward circular economy practices in the marble sector by focusing on marmettola, the fine residue produced during marble cutting and polishing. Currently classified as special waste and sent to landfill, marmettola is being evaluated for potential reuse as a by-product in various industries.
Fifteen days after the first meeting, the Regional Working Table for the Circular Economy reconvened, this time including the “By-products” working group. The session brought together representatives from environmental agencies, technical universities, trade associations, and municipal authorities, including the Mayor of Trani, a city directly affected by marble residue management.
Exploring Reuse Options
The short-term goal of the working group is to define a pilot project for marmettola valorization. Potential applications discussed include:
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Building materials and construction components
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Cement production
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Glass, paper, and enamel industries
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Soil acidity neutralization in agriculture
These uses highlight the versatility of the marble by-product while emphasizing the need for quality verification and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory and Market Considerations
A key factor in the project is the classification of marmettola. Treating it as a by-product rather than waste requires adherence to environmental and industrial standards. The working group will also assess market capacity to absorb the material, ensuring that the reuse pathways are both feasible and commercially viable.
Local Impact
Promoting marmettola use within regions where marble quarries and processing plants are located could reduce logistical costs and limit landfill disposal. Involving municipal authorities, research institutions, and business associations ensures a coordinated approach to both environmental and economic aspects of the initiative.
Next Steps
The pilot project aims to test structured reuse of marmettola, providing a model for potential replication in other marble-producing regions. The initiative reflects Puglia’s commitment to aligning traditional marble processing with circular economy principles, transforming a material historically treated as waste into a potential resource for multiple industrial applications.
