From waste to value: Circular Thermal systems and heat pumps driving industrial energy efficiency and decarbonization

In more than 100 years, Armstrong international delivered intelligent system solutions that improve utility performance, lower energy consumption and reduce environmental emissions while providing an enjoyable experience. In particular, the Circular Thermal approach is based on capturing and recirculating waste heat within industrial plants towards the production of useful energy, improving the thermal efficiency and reducing the need for primary energy and the emission of CO2 and other pollutants. This can greatly contribute to the thermal decarbonization roadmap of industrial sites. This work aims to present key lessons learned from real-world applications of industrial energy efficiency solutions, with a particular focus on high-temperature heat pumps. These technologies have proven capable of delivering up to 50% reduction in both energy consumption and CO₂ emissions in selected thermal and production processes. By recovering and upgrading low-grade waste heat, heat pumps enable a significant shift toward circular thermal systems, reducing the need for primary or purchased renewable energy. Moreover, the analysis will also explore combined strategies that integrate heat pumps with other technologies to increase the overall system efficiency. These approaches support both large industrial players and SMEs in accelerating their thermal decarbonization roadmap. Finally, the presentation will include key engineering and regulatory barriers that currently limit the wider adoption of these solutions in real-world case studies, offering insights and recommendations for policy evolution and future innovations in the sector.