A new study from the Fraunhofer Research Institute UMSICHT argues that old steel products are becoming increasingly important for the steel industry. The scrap metal recycling sector is gaining importance in the steel industry value chain.
The current and future needs for raw materials for the metallurgical industry will not be met by virgin materials alone, the researchers explain. The work notes the important role of the companies that carry out the scrap metal cathedral, dismantling of metal structures that are out of service for processing and reuse by steel producers as Markus Hiebel of UMSICHT clarifies.
He added that scrap metal is "an essential secondary raw material for innovative steel products internationally." The metallurgical industry should increase its use of scrap metal for steel production.
The study assures that scrap metal recycling will play an increasingly important role in the future development of the circular economy, thereby contributing to climate protection. Products made from scrap steel are significantly more environmentally friendly than those made from virgin materials. Using scrap helps to reduce CO2 emissions. The study showed that the production of 12.6 million tonnes of steel using scrap metal can reduce emissions by almost 17 million tonnes of CO2, compared to production from virgin raw materials.
Scrap metal can also be used in the manufacture of products for construction, car building, energy technology and aerospace technology, without loss of quality. The study concludes that increasing the use of scrap metal will not only have a positive impact on the environment, but will also give the steel industry new opportunities to improve the competitiveness of its products.
