Recycling today, circular economy tomorrow – foundries, producers of steel and non-ferrous metals are right at the centre of this development. The metal industries are predestined for industrial circular economy. The development of modern recycling towards a circular economy in conjunction with renewable energy is critical both for securing resources and for meeting climate goals.
The goal is to lengthen the life span of products through sustainable, environmentally friendly optimisation of production and use. No other raw materials support circular value loops better than iron and non-ferrous metals. The use of steel scrap has always been part of raw steel production. Aluminium manufacturers are expanding the applications of this raw material with new alloys and reducing the carbon footprint by further developing recycling and optimising process routes. Treatment of the melt guarantees the required material properties even in the presence of a large percentage of recycling material.
In practice, there is more to do than reduce waste and spare resources. In so far as it is ecologically necessary, technically feasible and economically responsible, the goal is to separate economic growth from the use of resources and to lower carbon emissions to net-zero. Materials and products in circulation among consumers are to remain in circulation as long as possible. Foundries, producers of metal and metal processing companies are gaining perspectives of new business models in conjunction with digitalisation.
