In 2022, the CTTÉI synthesized pigments for construction materials, such as concrete, mortar, paving stone, mulch, from steel stripping residues.

- The CTTÉI's applied research laboratory worked with a partner in the steel industry to identify high value-added outlets for Fe-rich by-products.
- Ferrous sulfate, a residue associated with steel pickling, could be used as a raw material to produce pigments
- Interstar, Canada's leading supplier of concrete pigments, was offered an alternative to importing pigments from Asia
- Several colors are possible: red (hematite-Fe2O3), black (magnetite-Fe3O4) and yellow (goethite-FeO(OH))