A central motive of the FINEST consortium is its systematic and transdisciplinary approach to the challenge of handling, efficiently recycling and/or safely disposing fine-grained particulate residues from variable sources and of very variable composition. The most important goal pursued in all three sub-projects will be to conceptualize and test innovative approaches for an increased utilization of valuable materials that elsewise would typically be disposed. In contrast to efforts in the past, researchers from different academic disciplines and different research institutions will work jointly in FINEST to close competence gaps and develop innovative technological solutions that will yield a quantifiable contribution to the sustainability of existing value chains. At the same time, the consortium will equip a group of young researchers with a unique transdisciplinary research skills set dedicated to understand fine particulate (secondary) raw materials.