Spanish demonstrator continues to drive circularity in construction
Group photo from the Spanish Demonstrator's seminar and co-creation workshop, held on 24 April 2026, In Barcelona, Spain.
Drastic’s Spanish Demonstrator continues its mission to advance circular solutions for the construction sector, with a full-day event hosted at the North Campus of the School of Civil Engineering (UPC) in Barcelona, Spain on April 24. Bringing together stakeholders from across the Spanish and Catalan construction ecosystems, the event combined a technical seminar with a hands-on co-creation workshop, moving from knowledge-sharing to practical collaboration
Webinar: driving circularity in construction
Presentation from the seminar, by Esther Real Saladrigas (UPC), in Barcelona, Spain.
The day began with a seminar focused on one of the sector’s most pressing challenges: the reuse of steel and white slag (a by-product from the secondary steelmaking process). As the industry works towards greater sustainability, repurposing these high-impact materials is becoming essential.
The session introduced the Drastic framework and its European relevance, providing participants with a clear understanding of how the project aims to support the transition to a circular construction model. Technical updates were shared on the steel recovery processes and the valorisation of white slag, both of which are being explored within the Spanish Demonstrator.
Participants also engaged in discussions on how these circular solutions can be effectively integrated into local and national supply chains.
The seminar featured contributions from Professor Esther Real Saladrigas (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya), Sergio Huete (Adec Global), and Dr Daria Gołębiowska-Tataj (Tataj Innovation), who shared their expertise and perspectives on advancing circularity in the built environment.
Workshop: co-creating circular business models for steel and slag
Hannah Lou presenting at the co-creation workshop on 24 April in Barcelona, Spain.
Following the seminar, the event transitioned into a co-creation workshop aimed at developing viable and scalable business models for the reuse of steel and white slag in construction.
Facilitated by a Hannah Lou, a doctoral researcher from Maastricht University, the workshop brought together over 20 stakeholders, guiding participants through an engaging and collaborative design process.
The session demonstrated a strong “triple helix” approach, with active participation from research and academia, industry leaders, and public institutions. Academic participants contributed technical expertise in material recovery, while industry representatives — including Celsa, Sorigué, and Adec Global—provided practical insights into market conditions. Public sector stakeholders ensured alignment with policy frameworks and sustainability objectives.
By bringing together those who produce materials, build, and regulate, the workshop helped ensure that the solutions being developed are grounded in real-world conditions and ready for market uptake.
Next Steps and Outlook
The outcomes of both the seminar and co-creation workshop will feed into the ongoing development of the Spanish Demonstrator, supporting the refinement of circular strategies for steel and white slag. These insights will contribute to broader efforts within the Drastic Project to scale practical, market-ready solutions across Europe.
This combined event marks an important step forward, reinforcing the role of collaboration in driving systemic change and accelerating the transition to a circular construction sector.
Stay tuned to learn more about the Spanish Demonstrator’s results!