10134363ASP A novel method to de-water alum sludge to provide a powder ingredient that can be used to manufacture bindersActiveCollaborative R&DInnovate UKUK-based SME, Aspcold, aims to develop a pioneering alum-sludge treatment solution that offers an energy-efficient, alternative End-of-Waste option for alum-sludge and a circular economy avenue as an additive to high-performance building adhesives. Alum-sludge is a waste by-product generated by water-treatment and is traditionally disposed of in landfills. No viable treatment options currently exist for alum-sludge. In the UK, ~500,000 tonnes of alum-sludge is landfilled annually costing ~£53m. Worldwide the production of alum-sludge is ~10m tonnes each year. The rate of this production is expected to increase with water demand (~20-30% by 2050). With landfill space in the UK expected to run out in 20 years and alum-sludge documented to leach harmful levels of aluminium into the ground. UKWIR has objectives to achieve zero waste by 2050, and the Environment Agency sets out to enforce reuse of sludge where possible, highlighting the demand for alternative/circular treatment options for untreatable waste like alum-sludge. Aspcold has created a demonstrable prototype that uses a low-energy process to convert water-bound alum-sludge into a dried product that can be used as a low-carbon additive to high-performance building adhesive. The process relies on readily accessible materials, allowing rapid manufacturability and scalability. Aspcold anticipates the serviceable available market (Water-and-Waste-Water-Treatment) of ASP is £4bn. In this 21-month project, Aspcold will optimise its unique alum-sludge water separation and drying process to identify the most efficient combination for use by water-treatment facilities. Industrial testing and research of the dried solid as an additive to building adhesives will inform on the best circular use cases. ASP addresses the global need for a cost-effective and sustainable alum-sludge End-of-Waste solution.