The positive environmental impact of metal recycling

Metal recycles forever and is a key reusable commodity for infrastructure and goods production

Landscape with two large wind turbines standing tall on a green field. The sky above is clear with a soft gradient from blue to light, indicating a calm day. The turbines' blades are still, suggesting little to no wind. The scene is peaceful, with the expansive field and distant horizon creating a sense of openness. The image highlights renewable energy through wind power, symbolizing a clean and sustainable approach to energy production.

The world needs metals

  • Steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, and other metals are crucial for global infrastructure and for consumer goods

  • Demand for metals is further driven by the green energy transition, thus making them essential for a green economy in general

Exterior wall of a weathered building made of corrugated metal sheets and bricks. The metal sheets are rusted, with large patches of reddish-brown corrosion and areas of white paint peeling off. In the center, there is a small, boarded-up window with wooden planks.

Primary metal production is highly CO2-intensive

  • Metals can be recycled forever without quality loss

  • Approximately 70% of the steel production in the US is based on recycled steel, while around 55% in the EU and even only around 22% of steel production in China respectively use recycled scrap steel as raw material

Logo with the text "METAL recycles forever." Above the text is an infinity symbol with an arrow incorporated into it, representing the continuous recycling process of metal. The design is simple and emphasizes the sustainability of metal as a material that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties. The logo reinforces the message of environmental responsibility and the endless recyclability of metal products.

Infinite recycling is key in decarbonisation

  • Production of primary metals emits a lot of CO2 and is very energy-intensive

  • The global production of metals accounts for more than 12% of direct CO2 emissions

  • In 2021, almost 2 billion tons of steel and almost 100 million tons of aluminum were produced, thus generating more than 3.6 billion tons of CO2

Significant CO2 saving potential from metal recycling

CO 2 emissions from steel production can be reduced by >60% by using recycled steel scrap with no quality loss

Large pile of shredded or broken pieces of grayish scrap metal. The fragments are irregular in shape and size, with a mix of jagged edges and more rounded pieces. The material appears densely packed, forming a textured surface. Among the mostly gray debris, a few small, colored items or fragments are visible, adding slight contrast to the otherwise monochromatic pile.

Production of 1t of primary steel generates...

... 1.7 -2.9t of CO2 per ton of primary steel

-> 60%

Pile of dark, jagged metal pieces, scraps and offcuts from a manufacturing process. The metal surfaces are mostly blackened, with some areas showing hints of rust and reddish-brown corrosion. The pieces are irregularly shaped, with sharp edges and a rough texture. The lighting creates subtle reflections on the metal, emphasizing their worn and rugged appearance.

Production of 1t of primary steel generates...

... 0-0.8t of CO2 per ton of secondary steel

Ready to make a positive impact through metal recycling?

Join the movement today and be part of the solution!