Waste Reduction Research Articles

ADVANCED BUSINESS ANALYTICS IN TEXTILE & FASHION INDUSTRIES: DRIVING INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

This research paper explores the strategic implementation of advanced business analytics within EcoFashions Ltd., a mid-sized company in the textile and fashion industry. The central question it addresses is: How can a specific company leverage advanced analytics in the fashion sector for sustainable growth? Through a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the strategic implementation of analytics at EcoFashions to enhance operational efficiency, drive innovation, and promote sustainability. The findings reveal that the integration of analytics at EcoFashions led to a 25% reduction in material waste and a 15% increase in production efficiency, while also fostering product innovation responsive to market trends. These outcomes not only highlight the potential of business analytics to transform traditional practices within the fashion industry but also suggest that other firms can adopt similar strategies to achieve substantial improvements in sustainability and operational performance. The paper concludes with reflections on the limitations of a single case study and proposes directions for future research to validate and expand upon these findings across the broader industry. This study contributes to understanding how data-driven strategies can facilitate significant sector-wide advancements in sustainability and innovation in the textile and fashion industries.

Unleashing the potential of social media celebrities to promote food waste reduction in educational institutions: developing an extended model based on the value-belief-norm theory

PurposeThis study aims to provide insights into the drivers of student engagement in food waste reduction strategies in educational institutions. The proposed research model integrates social media celebrities' attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness with the value belief norm (VBN) theory to explore their influence on students' behaviour towards food waste reduction.Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected from 417 students enrolled in public and private universities in the Riyadh and Macca regions of Saudi Arabia to evaluate the proposed model. The partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to analyse the responses.FindingsThe results showed that VBN theory's components, such as values (biospheric, altruistic and egoistic), beliefs (new ecological paradigm, awareness of consequences and aspirations of responsibility) and norms significantly and positively influence food waste reduction behavioural intentions. It was also discovered from the results that social media celebrities' attractiveness, expertise and trustworthiness influence food waste reduction behavioural intentions.Originality/valueThis study contributes significantly to the literature by identifying factors influencing student engagement in food waste reduction strategies in educational institutions where limited research exists. It fills this research gap by developing a novel theoretical framework integrating social media celebrities' attributes with the VBN theory to explain these factors.

Circular Economy Principles and Their Integration into Global Supply Chain Strategies

The concept of circular economy has gained significant traction in recent years as a holistic approach to sustainable development and resource management. This review explores the principles of circular economy and their integration into global supply chain strategies. The transition from a linear 'take-make-dispose' model to a circular model focused on resource recovery, reuse, and regeneration is driving a paradigm shift in how businesses operate and manage their supply chains. Key principles of circular economy, including designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems, are examined in the context of supply chain management. Strategies for implementing circular economy principles across various stages of the supply chain, from product design and manufacturing to distribution, consumption, and end-of-life management, are discussed. The review highlights the benefits of adopting circular economy principles in supply chain strategies, including reduced resource consumption, waste reduction, cost savings, and enhanced resilience to external shocks. Case studies and examples from diverse industries illustrate successful implementation of circular economy principles in supply chain management, demonstrating tangible environmental, social, and economic benefits. Challenges and barriers to the adoption of circular economy principles in global supply chains are also addressed, including regulatory hurdles, technological limitations, and cultural barriers. Strategies for overcoming these challenges and promoting a circular mindset among stakeholders are explored, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and cross-sector partnerships. The integration of circular economy principles into global supply chain strategies offers significant opportunities for sustainable growth, resilience, and value creation. By embracing the principles of circularity, businesses can unlock new sources of competitive advantage while contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable and regenerative economy. Keywords: Circular Economy, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Integration, Challenges, Opportunities.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF ENGINEERED WOOD PRODUCTS ON SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH CONVENTIONAL CONCRETE BUILDING METHODS

Renewable-sourced EWPs offer enhanced dimensional stability, durability, and mechanical properties, facilitating larger and more complex structural elements, and contributing to faster construction times and better energy performance. The research investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Engineered Wood Products (EWPs) as sustainable building materials in the construction sector by a comparison of their cost, performance, and environmental impact against conventional concrete. The research emphasises the importance of innovative design, recycling, and waste reduction in fostering sustainable construction methods that satisfy the demands of present and future generations while conserving energy. However, there are negative environmental impacts linked to the production of concrete, such as habitat destruction, atmospheric emissions, and waste generation. The research adopted a web-based survey to gather quantitative data from construction experts. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was adopted to analyze the respondents' perceptions of the benefits of EWP and concrete negative effects. The results of the research reflect respondents' significant preference for EWPs and are consistent with their outstanding environmental qualities. In conclusion, this paper argues that EWPs possess the potential to effectively revolutionise the construction industry by minimising its carbon footprint and encouraging sustainable construction practices that are required for addressing the expectations of both the present and the future.

Optimization methods in powder metallurgy for enhancing the mechanical properties: A systematic literature review

Abstract Powder metallurgy offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, such as improved material utilization and waste reduction. The powder metallurgy process involves four primary steps, metal powder preparation, mixing, compaction, and sintering, followed by secondary operations such as forging, rolling, and extrusion. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on refining the primary processes, neglecting secondary processes that could further enhance mechanical properties. A systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis method identified twenty-three relevant articles over a ten-year period, highlighting three main optimization methods, that are, the Taguchi method, Taguchi-based Grey Relational Analysis, and Response Surface Methodology. These methods effectively reduce experimental trials and optimize key parameters like compaction pressure and weight percentage, which significantly influence mechanical properties. The review emphasizes the key powder metallurgy process parameters that have a significant impact on mechanical properties, becoming the primary targets for optimization. It offers a focused examination of which process parameters require thorough investigation for optimization and the suitable optimization method to achieve optimal outcomes, whether for single or multiple responses, thereby enhancing the manufacturing process. However, inconsistencies in parameter significance across studies indicate the material-dependent nature of powder metallurgy materials. The review also identifies a gap in the literature regarding secondary process optimization and comparative analyses of optimization methods. Future research should explore optimizing secondary processes in powder metallurgy, conduct comparative studies of different optimization methods, and develop novel approaches for optimization to further enhance mechanical properties and process efficiency.

Valorization of Winery By-Products as Bio-Fillers for Biopolymer-Based Composites

Grape seeds (GS), wine lees (WL), and grape pomace (GP) are common winery by-products, used as bio-fillers in this research with two distinct biopolymer matrices—poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)—to create fully bio-based composite materials. Each composite included at least 30 v% bio-filler, with a sample reaching 40 v%, as we sought to determine a composition that could be economically and environmentally effective as a substitute for a pure biopolymer matrix. The compounding process employed a twin-screw extruder followed by an injection molding procedure to fabricate the specimens. An acetylation treatment assessed the specimen’s efficacy in enhancing matrix–bio-filler affinity, particularly for WL and GS. The fabricated bio-composites underwent an accurate characterization, revealing no alteration in thermal properties after compounding with bio-fillers. Moreover, hygroscopic measurements indicated increased water-affinity in bio-composites compared to neat biopolymer, most significantly with GP, which exhibited a 7-fold increase. Both tensile and dynamic mechanical tests demonstrated that bio-fillers not only preserved, but significantly enhanced, the stiffness of the neat biopolymer across all samples. In this regard, the most promising results were achieved with the PBAT and acetylated GS sample, showing a 162% relative increase in Young’s modulus, and the PBS and WL sample, which exhibited the highest absolute values of Young’s modulus and storage modulus, even at high temperatures. These findings underscore the scientific importance of exploring the interaction between bio-fillers derived from winery by-products and three different biopolymer matrices, showcasing their potential for sustainable material development, and advancing polymer science and bio-sourced material processing. From a practical standpoint, the study highlighted the tangible benefits of using by-product bio-fillers, including cost savings, waste reduction, and environmental advantages, thus paving the way for greener and more economically viable material production practices.

Unlocking value: circular economy in ngos' food waste reduction efforts in Brazil and Togo

This article delves into the intriguing realm of food waste valorization conducted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in two distinct locales—Brasilia, Brazil, and Lomé, Togo. The primary focus of this exploration is the lens of the Circular Economy (CE), a concept that emphasizes the sustainable utilization of resources within closed loops. The discourse is further enriched by introducing the notion of upcycling, a complementary force to the Circular Economy, particularly within the intricate web of food supply chains. The ReSOLVE framework, a strategic approach for managing food waste, is a guiding light in this research. Upon dissecting the outcomes, noteworthy limitations come to the forefront, shedding light on the challenges of aligning NGOs from both countries with the principles of the Circular Economy in their food waste management endeavors. These challenges assume heightened significance against the backdrop of the intricate global food security landscape, effectively underlining the intricacies of harmonizing the Circular Economy's ambitions with the pragmatic goal of diminishing food waste. The overarching objective of this study is to galvanize circular-oriented initiatives that can effectively curtail and prevent food wastage on a global scale, with a particular emphasis on developing nations. This pursuit is underscored by the triad of benefits such initiatives confer: economic advancement, social amelioration, and a positive ecological footprint. In an era where sustainability stands as a paramount concern, this research advocates for concerted efforts to harmonize the noble ideals of the Circular Economy with the pressing need for food waste reduction, especially within regions striving for holistic growth and development.

Eliciting small island tourists’ ecological protection, water conservation, and waste reduction behaviours

Small island destinations possess fragile ecosystems that are susceptible to the effects of tourism. Ensuring sustainability in these destinations is undoubtedly of utmost importance. This research delved into the fundamental cognitive, affective, and normative processes underlying tourists' intentions toward ecological protection, water conservation, and waste reduction during their visits to small island destinations. Additionally, the study examined the moderating role of environmental protection activities in everyday life. Cutting-edge statistical methods, specifically generalized structured component analysis with measurement errors incorporated and necessary condition analysis, were applied to validate a theoretical model and uncover the crucial factors influencing tourists' intentions concerning environmental protection. The findings categorised the predictive constructs into four groups: necessary and sufficient, necessary but insufficient, unnecessary but sufficient, and unnecessary and insufficient. Our findings shed light on the essential and/or nonessential factors that shape tourists’ ecological intentions in small island destinations.

Impact of smart sustainable value stream mapping – Fuzzy PSI decision-making framework

Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is a Lean method for waste reduction, crucial across industries. In the era of the fourth industrial revolution, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are adopting smart, sustainable practices. The focus has shifted from traditional VSM to Smart Sustainable VSM (SS-VSM). This study introduces an SS-VSM framework, integrating lean, sustainable, and smart techniques. A fuzzy-based Preference Selection Index (FPSI) method selects the optimal SS-VSM strategy, considering environmental, economic, and social factors. Sensitivity analysis tests the approach's robustness. The results offer a conceptual framework for implementing and managing VSM, aiding SMEs in enhancing performance through SS-VSM practices.

A waste extended input-output-based Transformer-LSTM method for analyzing hazardous waste reduction patterns: A case study of shanghai

Population growth, economic development, and industrialization have resulted in a notable surge in the hazardous waste (HW) generation, consequently leading to adverse effects on human health and environmental safety. In this work, a Waste Extended Input-Output-based Transformer-Long Short-Term Memory (WEIO-TL) method was developed to simulate the HW generation patterns of various economic industries in the supply chain and generate the desired strategies for reducing HW generation. The WEIO-TL method was applied to Shanghai to identify its HW reduction path and potential by 2035. Multiple scenarios were designed to investigate the impacts of different degrees of economic and technological development on HW generation. The primary results indicated that the economic proportion of each key industry and the technological innovation capability were the main factors influencing the HW generation in Shanghai. The six key industries identified by the WEIO were the chemical industry (CI), other services (OS), transportation equipment (MTE), computers, communication, and other electronic equipment (MCCOEE), wholesale and retail trades (WRT), and construction (C). HW generation would peak at 1570.9 kt in 2025 and subsequently decrease to 949.0 kt by 2035 under the optimal scenario based on the optimal TL model (R2 and RMSE values of 0.976 and 5.968), associated with industry structure optimization (i.e., part of high-polluting industries would be shifted to service) and technological innovation capability improvement. The results of the study will serve as a theoretical foundation to guide other cities toward achieving "zero waste."

Pd-Catalyzed Miyaura Borylation and Telescopic Borylation/Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Processes in Deep-Eutectic Solvents.

We report an efficient procedure to carry out palladium-catalyzed Miyaura borylation reactions of (hetero)aromatic halides and triflates in choline chloride (ChCl)-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs). The procedure employs bis(pinacolato)diboron as a boron source and a catalyst prepared in situ from readily available Pd2(dba)3 and the phosphine ligand XPhos. Reactions proceed well in different ChCl-based DESs, among which the best results were provided by environmentally friendly and biodegradable mixtures with glycerol and glucose. The reaction tolerates both EDG and EWG substituents on the substrates and can be run on different halides (chloride, bromide, iodide) and pseudohalides (triflate). Furthermore, for several substrates, the catalyst loading can be reduced to 1 mol % Pd (0.5% mol Pd2(dba)3) without compromising the reaction yield. Moreover, we show that the Miyaura borylation protocol in DES can be combined with a subsequent Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction in a one-pot procedure, allowing access to various biaryl products and demonstrating its synthetic utility by preparing the precursors of two compounds with reported applications in the photovoltaics sector. Finally, two green metrics (E-factor and EcoScale) of the new one-pot procedure in DES were calculated and compared with literature values to assess the potential advantages in terms of waste reduction, safety, and energy consumption.

Global Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic Supply Chain Resource Metabolism Efficiency and Carbon Emissions Co-Reduction Strategies

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is widely used as a primary plastic packaging material in the global socio-economic system. However, research on the metabolic characteristics of the PET industry across different countries, particularly regarding the entire life cycle supply chain of PET, remains insufficient, significantly hindering progress in addressing plastic pollution worldwide. This study employs the Life Cycle Assessment-Material Flow Analysis (LCA-MFA) method to comprehensively analyze the environmental impacts of PET plastics, with a focus on the processes from production to disposal in 12 regions (covering 41 countries) in 2020. By constructing 13 scenarios and analyzing the development trajectory of PET plastics from 2020 to 2030, this study provides scientific evidence and specific strategies for waste reduction and emission reduction measures in the PET industry. Overall, in 2020, the 12 regions (41 countries) consumed 7297.7 kilotons (kt) of virgin PET resin and 1189.4 kt of recycled PET resin; 23% of plastic waste was manufactured into recycled PET materials, 42% went to landfills, and 35% was incinerated. In 2020, the entire PET plastic supply chain emitted approximately 534.6 million tons (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalent per year, with production emissions accounting for 46.1%, manufacturing stage emissions accounting for 44.7%, and waste treatment stage emissions accounting for 9.2%. Research indicates that under a scenario of controlled demand, resource efficiency improvement and emission reduction are the most effective, potentially reducing carbon emissions by up to 40%.

Blockchain and industrial symbiosis: a preliminary two-step framework to green circular supply chains

AbstractThe strategic management of supply chains, by ensuring closed-loop manufacturing processes and a constant reduction of industrial waste, is an essential pillar of sustainability. This is the pattern behind the, so-called, circular supply chains. The effective adoption of this paradigm demands the supply chains actors to establish robust integration and relationships, so that waste and by‐products of an industry or industrial process become the raw materials for others. This circular network is defined as industrial symbiosis. Starting from a background on this topic, this working paper explores the potential of blockchain as enabling technology of Industry 4.0 to disseminate industrial symbiosis practices within the modern industrial scenario. A preliminary two-step framework, i.e., conceptual and operative, is presented including insights and win–win synergies showing the potential of blockchain technology in supporting informative flows of industrial symbiosis. Preliminary field experiences are suggested, along with existing limitations and perspectives on future research.

Integrated optimization modelling framework for low-carbon and green regional transitions through resource-based industrial symbiosis

The development and utilization of bulk resources provide the basic material needs for industrial systems. However, most current resource utilization patterns are unsustainable, with low efficiencies and high carbon emissions. Here, we report a quantitative tool for resource-based industries to facilitate sustainable and low-carbon transitions within the regional economy. To evaluate the effectiveness of this tool, the saline Qinghai Lake region was chosen as a case study. After optimizing the industrial structure, the benefits of economic output, resource efficiency, energy consumption, solid waste reduction, and carbon emission reduction can be obtained. The scenario analyses exhibit disparities in different transition paths, where the carbon mitigation, economic output, and resource efficiency that benefit from optimal development paths are significantly better than those of the traditional path, indicating the urgency of adopting cleaner technology and industrial symbiosis for regional industries.

Sustainable architecture: Envisioning self-sustaining buildings for the future

Sustainable Architecture: Envisioning Self-Sustaining Buildings for the Future explores the imperative for sustainable design practices in the construction industry. With global environmental challenges becoming increasingly urgent, the need for buildings that are not just energy-efficient but also self-sustaining is paramount. This report delves into the principles, technologies, and design strategies that can transform traditional buildings into sustainable structures that reduce environmental impact and enhance quality of life. The report begins by highlighting the pressing need for sustainable architecture, emphasizing the role of buildings in contributing to carbon emissions, resource depletion, and environmental degradation. It then outlines key principles of sustainable architecture, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials. A major focus of the report is on innovative technologies and design strategies that can be employed to create self-sustaining buildings. These include passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, and natural ventilation, as well as active technologies like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs. Case studies of successful sustainable buildings from around the world illustrate the practical application of these principles and technologies. Finally, the report discusses the challenges and barriers to implementing sustainable architecture, such as cost considerations, lack of awareness, and regulatory hurdles. It concludes with a call to action for stakeholders in the construction industry to embrace sustainable practices and work towards creating a built environment that is not just sustainable but regenerative, contributing positively to the planet and its inhabitants. "Sustainable Architecture: Envisioning Self-Sustaining Buildings for the Future" provides a comprehensive overview of the principles, technologies, and design strategies that can drive the transition towards a more sustainable built environment. It serves as a valuable resource for architects, designers, policymakers, and anyone interested in creating a more sustainable future. Keywords:  Sustainability, Building, Future, Architecture.

A review of the benefits and limitations of waste nutrient treatment in aquaculture pond facilities

AbstractManaging waste nutrients from intensive freshwater and marine pond aquaculture is a global challenge. Nutrient‐enriched water released from farms can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystem health. There are a range of treatment options for discharge water from fish and crustacean ponds, and this review examines the benefits and limitations of these options. Much of the nutrient waste is derived from the addition of formulated feed. In recent years, reduction in waste from feeds and feeding has been largely incremental. In terms of treatment, there are low‐cost approaches, such as settlement ponds, but they are inefficient at reducing nutrients. Biological systems, using aquatic plants, microalgae and filter feeders to reduce nutrient release from farms have variable levels of effectiveness. Establishing wetlands requires considerable additional land area, and success to date has been highly variable. Overall, this review found no simple cost‐effective solution for managing nutrient enriched water from ponds. This is due, in many cases, to challenges with treating the large volumes of discharge water with relatively low nutrient concentrations. This means that more technologically advanced and reliable treatment options, for example, bioreactors, are prohibitively expensive. However, some systems, such as use of recirculation systems typically increase nutrient concentrations, and hence the efficiency and effectiveness of more expensive treatment methods. Biofloc systems can also provide a mechanism for in‐situ nutrient treatment as well as a supplementary food source for animals. Overall, there is scope to improve treatment of waste nutrients, but significant modifications to many production systems are needed to achieve this.

Air leaks fault detection in maintenance using machine learning

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to develop a condition-based maintenance (CBM) scheme for pneumatic cylinders. The CBM scheme will detect two common types of air leaking failure modes and identify the leaky/faulty cylinder. The successful implementation of the proposed scheme will reduce energy consumption, scrap and rework, and time to repair.Design/methodology/approachEffective implementation of maintenance is important to reduce operation cost, improve productivity and enhance quality performance at the same time. Condition-based monitoring is an effective maintenance scheme where maintenance is triggered based on the condition of the equipment monitored either real time or at certain intervals. Pneumatic air systems are commonly used in many industries for packaging, sorting and powering air tools among others. A common failure mode of pneumatic cylinders is air leaks which is difficult to detect for complex systems with many connections. The proposed method consists of monitoring the stroke speed profile of the piston inside the pneumatic cylinder using hall effect sensors. Statistical features are extracted from the speed profiles and used to develop a fault detection machine learning model. The proposed method is demonstrated using a real-life case of tea packaging machines.FindingsBased on the limited data collected, the ensemble machine learning algorithm resulted in 88.4% accuracy. The algorithm can detect failures as soon as they occur based on majority vote rule of three machine learning models.Practical implicationsEarly air leak detection will improve quality of packaged tea bags and provide annual savings due to time to repair and energy waste reduction. The average annual estimated savings due to the implementation of the new CBM method is $229,200 with a payback period of less than two years.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first in terms of proposing a CBM for pneumatic systems air leaks using piston speed. Majority, if not all, current detection methods rely on expensive equipment such as infrared or ultrasonic sensors. This paper also contributes to the research gap of economic justification of using CBM.

Materials requirement prediction challenges addressed through SDM and MEIO

Offering intended products at an affordable price is a highly challenging task in a business environment. To meet such challenges, industrial experts and researchers have different approaches, such as shifting the purchase of materials from import mode to local vendors and optimizing machining cost by optimizing process parameters, waste reduction, rework reduction, and technological improvements. The novelty of this study lies in reducing material cost by accurate materials forecasting to minimize storage cost, ablation cost, average annual consumption cost, etc. This study aims to compare the efficacy of the Seasonal Decomposition Method (SDM) against Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO) for minimizing inventory through accurate materials forecasting. Through rigorous evaluation and analysis, this research seeks to clarify the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, thereby providing insights into their applicability and effectiveness in addressing inventory management challenges across diverse seasonal demand patterns. The sample size was taken as 50 per group. The G-power applied is about 80%. The significance value obtained is 0.001 (p < 0.05), indicating a statistically significant difference between the two algorithms used for inventory reduction and materials forecasting. SDM (63.43) outperforms MEIO (48.57) in terms of accuracy. SDM yielded a better accuracy when compared to MEIO for inventory minimization and materials forecasting.

Anaerobic Digestion of Winery Solid Waste in a Two-stage Membrane Process: Effect of Loading Rate on Biomethane Production

The wine industry causes a high amount of solid waste with high organic content at different parts of the production line. One of the best strategies to overcome organic solid waste management problem is anaerobic digestion, as It allows renewable energy production and waste reduction together. The OLR is considered one of the most important operating parameters in continuous or semi-continuous anaerobic operations, as it affects the overall performance of anaerobic digestion systems. Therefore, appropriate OLR determination plays a crucial role in anaerobic digestion. This study investigated the effect of OLR on the performance of a TAnMBR treating (winery solid waste) WSW in terms of biogas and biomethane production. To this end, the production of biogas and biomethane from WSW via a TAnMBR at four different OLRs (0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 gVS/Lreac d) was investigated. Biogas production rates were 677, 850, 1265, and 566ml/gVS and biomethane production rates were 352, 450, 679, and 251ml/gVS respectively, during 0.5 0.75 1.0 1.5 gVS/Lreac d OLR operating conditions. Results revealed that proper biogas and biomethane production can continue until the OLR is 1.5. VFA accumulation can be considered as the main inhibition reason, at 1.5 OLR VFA/Alk ratio increased up to 1.6 with 1864 mgHAc/L VFA concentration. Additionally, phenol and sulfate concentrations were below 45 and 48mg/L during operation, respectively, therefore it is considered that no inhibition occurred due to these parameters.

Behaviour of sewage sludge based lightweight aggregate in geopolymer concrete

The global challenge of sewage sludge disposal has encouraged innovative solutions aimed at reducing environmental impact while simultaneously addressing the growing demand for sustainable construction materials. This study aimed to develop treated raw sewage sludge-based lightweight aggregates with strength comparable to commercially available aggregates. Two methods, namely cold bonding and sintering, were employed for the formation of aggregates. The sintering method produced well-formed and hard aggregates, while the cold bonded aggregates exhibited weakness and disintegrated under the slightest pressure. The optimal mix for quality aggregates was found to be 10%–20% sewage sludge, 70%–80% fly ash, and 10% lime using the sintering method. In the sintering method, an increase in sewage sludge content resulted in the reduction of bulk density and specific gravity by 13% and 4% respectively due to the high organic content in sewage sludge, volatile gas release, and porous structure formation. When 10% to 20% sewage sludge content was added, water absorption of the aggregates also increased by approximately 2%. Physical properties such as individual pellet strength. aggregate crushing value reduced by 18%, 20% respectively and the aggregate impact value increased by about 9%. These aggregates were then used to produce lightweight geopolymer concrete, which exceeded the design strength by 7% for the aggregate containing 20% sewage sludge and demonstrated excellent physical properties. The use of waste-based aggregates offers advantages including savings in cost, sustainability, resource conservation, waste reduction, and reduced environmental impact, making them a valuable alternative to natural crushed stone aggregates in specific applications.