Optimization models and value analysis for metal recovery from industrial waste. The case of Wallonia

Abstract

Nowadays, the world is facing numerous problems that are directly related to human activity. Among them, two main categories that we cannot ignore are the ecological and the social issues. Indeed, unfortunate consequences such as unemployment or global warming rhythm the daily news. Therefore, we want to leverage this thesis to face these problems, and to see how improve the situation at our scale: the Walloon Region. Nevertheless, many actors ranging from research centers to multinational corporations are trying to change the current system. To do so, the latter adopt the concept of “sustainable development” in their processes. Indeed, this concept emphasizes that the performance of a project must not only take into account its financial profitability, but must include environmental and social factors in its final purpose. Among many of the sustainability measures, one that is noteworthy is the circular economy. This concept suggests that the current value chain of “make, use, dispose” is no longer sustainable and aims at implementing a loop in future value chains, in order to extend product lifecycles. Our partner for this master thesis, the CRM Group, is a supporter of sustainable business practices. Consequently, this Masters’ thesis consists in the analysis of the CRM group’s project. Our partner provided us with the scientific proofs of the feasibility, meeting the aforementioned environmental and social issues, although we needed to analyze it to find out if the economic pillar is also sustained. To this end, the analysis will consist in iterations of different scenarios and business models, backed up by the skills acquired during a business engineering cursus, and in particular the optimization models. As a conclusion, it is wise to note that this thesis’ main objective is to prove whether there is a business opportunity linked with the CRM group’s scientific project. In case of positive findings, the project would enable to create value from waste and thus contribute to the improvement and to the development of the Walloon region. A win-win situation, for every single project stakeholder.