Business · Companies · 8 hrs ago
Saudi Aramco reports gains from its circular-economy program
Saudi Aramco says it has made circular-economy practices part of its operations since launching a company-wide program in 2021.
The approach aims to keep materials in use longer, reduce waste and use energy more efficiently instead of following a “take, make, dispose” model.
In 2025, the company says it recovered nearly 55,000 barrels of oil from industrial waste and raised its industrial waste recycling rate to 69.1%, up from 35.7% in 2023.
It also says it has reused more than 500,000 tonnes of surplus materials since 2021, reducing the need to manufacture and transport replacements.
Closed-loop drilling at about 450 well sites in 2024 helped cut industrial wastewater generation by 27%, according to the company.
Aramco also described partnerships to reuse industrial wastewater at its Yanbu refinery and recycle used catalysts, as it seeks to expand industrial cooperation.
Saudi Aramco says its circular-economy program has increased industrial waste recycling and helped recover resources.
The company reports that industrial waste recycling rose from 35.7% in 2023 to 69.1% in 2025.
In 2025, recycling technologies recovered nearly 55,000 barrels of oil from industrial waste.
Aramco says it has reused more than 500,000 tonnes of surplus materials since 2021.
Its closed-loop drilling practices also reduced freshwater use and industrial wastewater generation.
- Who
- Saudi Aramco.
- What
- The company reported gains from its circular-economy program, including higher industrial waste recycling and resource recovery.
- When
- The program was established in 2021; the reported results cover 2023 to 2025.
- Where
- Across Aramco operations, including well sites and its Yanbu refinery in Saudi Arabia.
- Why
- The program aims to conserve materials, improve energy use, reduce waste and strengthen operational resilience.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Aramco established a company-wide circular-economy program.
Industrial waste recycling reached 35.7%, and closed-loop drilling practices were adopted at more than 250 well sites.
The closed-loop drilling initiative expanded to about 450 well sites, reducing industrial wastewater generation by 27%.
Industrial waste recycling reached 69.1%, and recycling technologies recovered nearly 55,000 barrels of oil from industrial waste.
- Program established
- 2021
- Industrial waste recycling
- 35.7% in 2023; 69.1% in 2025
- Oil recovered from industrial waste
- Nearly 55,000 barrels in 2025
- Surplus materials reused
- More than 500,000 tonnes since 2021
- Closed-loop drilling
- About 450 well sites in 2024