AZTERLAN OUTLINES THE KEY ASPECTS OF THE NEW SMITHERIES AND FOUNDRIES BREF

Azterlan has developed several initiatives to help the industry understand the new European reference document on best available techniques for smitheries and foundries. The BREF sets out criteria for preventing and controlling the environmental impact of these industrial activities.

The metallurgical research centre organised a technical event involving the Spanish Federation of Foundry Associations, the Basque Government’s Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control unit and Ihobe. The session addressed the regulatory framework, the IPPC Directive and the management of foundry sands.

In this area, the Basque Waste Prevention and Management Plan 2030 aims to reduce sand generation by 30% compared with 2019, achieve an 85% recovery rate for sands and fines from ferrous foundries, and eliminate the disposal of untreated waste.

Azterlan has also prepared a series of three explanatory articles published in FundiPress between November 2024 and February 2025. The material covers the origins and development of the BREF, techniques related to water discharges and waste, atmospheric emissions, and emerging technologies for the sector.

The documentation was produced by Azterlan’s Sustainability and Environment department and is available for consultation and download through its Knowledge Hub.

Sources: Estrategia Empresarial and Azterlan