Scrap Metal is Serious (Environmental Responsible) Business
When people today think of recycling, they may not automatically think, ‘Scrap Metal’. Yet this was the earliest form of recycling and continues to be a major contributor to environmental sustainability.
Thanks to the Scrap Metal Recycling Association of New Zealand (SMRANZ), here are some key facts you may not know:
- Aluminium can be recycled indefinitely, as reprocessing does not damage its structure. Aluminium is also the most cost-effective material to recycle
- Recycling 1kg of aluminium saves up to 6kg of bauxite, 4kg of chemical products, and 14 kWh of electricity – enough to power a TV for three hours
- Two-thirds of all cans on supermarket shelves are made from steel. They have a very thin layer of tin that protects the surface of the can, which is why steel cans are often called “tins”
- Every tonne of steel that is recycled saves 1.5 tonnes of iron ore and reduces air emissions by 86%
- Steel scrap is essential in the process of making new steel and can be recycled indefinitely without losing its quality. Most new steel products use at least 25% recycled steel in their production
Information like this demonstrates the enormous value of fast, accurate analysis and identification of metals to expedite the scrap recycling process and to enhance export and trade opportunities.
In its November 2016 report, IBISWorld identified 250 Key Success Factors for a Scrap Metal Recycling business, with these being the most important:
- Establishing key export markets
- Access to a multi-skilled and flexible workforce
- Access to efficient production and recycling techniques
That’s where portable analysis capabilities really shine.
