STEEL: The Superhero Metal Leading The Way To A Greener Future

As we continue to strive for a more circular and sustainable future, it’s important to stop considering waste metal as a by product, moreover an opportunity. An opportunity to make smarter, more profitable, and more environmentally responsible business decisions. 

Irrespective of industry - construction, automotive or manufacturing - having an understanding of which metals can be recycled and reused is crucial.  Steel, along with many metals, retains its chemical and physical properties across multiple life cycles. It can be melted, reshaped and repurposed, without losing or compromising their robustness, longevity or conductivity. They also offer environmental benefits, economic advantages, and support the circular economing by reducing the need to use virgin resources and in turn minimising waste. 

Every tonne of recycled steel saves approximately 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ and 2,500 pounds of iron ore. 

Reduced Carbon Emissions

Recycling steel reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 58% per tonne. Furthermore, by 

improving sustainability credentials and meeting environmental regulations, businesses can avoid potential carbon taxes or penalties. 

Hands down, the superhero of all metals has to be steel. Why? Its strength, durability and unwavering properties make it an essential resource, not only for construction and infrastructure, automotive and manufacturing, but for other industries including aerospace and shipbuilding, which also rely heavily on metal. 

Steel supports a circular economy model, keeping it in use for as long as possible, 

improving long-term resource efficiency. 

Let’s hone in on its key benefits…

Unmatched Strength and Durability

Fact: No matter how many times it is recycled, steel consistently retains its unmatched properties. Its strength and durability remain the same as newly produced steel. 

Steel’s tensile strength - the maximum stress that a material can bear before breaking - combined with its ability to resist change, misshape or desform, paired with the vast level of weight and pressure it can support, makes it vital in ensuring the stability and safety of buildings and other large-scale structures. It allows us to meet structural demands and sustainability goals, while consistently delivering the same level of performance, without us having to rely on the extraction of raw materials. 

Physical properties aside, recycling steel offers plentiful economic benefits: 

Cost Savings - Production 

The production of scrap steel uses up to 74% less energy than making it from raw materials. Its ability to be melted and repurposed with reduced processing steps, means it also reduces production costs, along with the cost of mining, refining and transportation. 

Job Creation and Industry Growth 

As one of the most recycled materials, there is huge, global demand for scrap metal. For every tonne of material handed, recycling generates more employment opportunities than simply disposing of waste, owing to the stages and skill sets involved in the recycling process - collection and sorting, processing and transport, manufacturing of new products and with the sale and distribution of recycled metals. 

Price Stability 

Using recycled steel helps cushion the industry from the fluctuating cost of raw materials, reducing dependency on unstable mining markets. For producers using scrap metal, this means they can better manage their costs and pricing strategies. 

Revenue from Scrap 

As a business, you can generate direct revenue by selling your scrap to us as metal recycling specialists, shipping globally to meet demand. Pricing does vary depending on grade and purity, but steel has a consistent market demand. 

Being widely available through scrap recovery makes it far more economical than purchasing it as a raw, virgin material. It’s definitely the smarter choice for a stronger economy and a more sustainable future. 

Bottom Line

Steel is one of the most important metals in the world. 

Steel is the most recycled metal in the world. 

Recycled steel is better for the planet. 

Recycled steel is good for business. 

Recycled steel should absolutely form the backbone of all modern architecture, construction, design and infrastructure. 

Ready to turn your scrap metal into profit? Speak to us today.