Recycling Today archives
A
14-page report published by the Brussels-based WorldStainless organization
examines the differences between scrap-based and nickel pig iron (NPI)-based
production systems to make stainless steel, finding that using more scrap
translates to lower CO2 emissions.
The report and the
findings tie into what developed as the main topic at
a stainless steel-focused session at recycling industry conference held last
month.
“Like any other major
industry, the stainless steel industry consistently endeavors to reduce its
operational CO2 emissions year on
year,” writes WorldStainless in a website posting announcing the availability
of its report.
The organization says its
report finds in part that although 95 percent of stainless steel scrap is
collected for recycling at the end of its life cycle, “There is not enough
stainless steel scrap available globally, therefore the [scrap based and
NPI-based] production routes will co-exist for several decades to come.”
The report’s authors
found that using 85 percent stainless scrap to feed a melt shop resulted in
average emissions of 2.08 tons of CO2 for one ton of
stainless steel produced. That contrasts with 6.82 tons of CO2 emissions per one ton of stainless steel
produced when scrap contributes just 35 percent of feedstock.
The calculations include
Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, which WorldStainless describes as
“cradle to gate” emissions.
Scrap makes the biggest
difference in Scope 3 emissions, which the United States Environmental
Protection Agency describes as “the result of activities from assets not owned
or controlled by the reporting organization, but that the organization
indirectly affects in its value chain.” Collecting and transporting stainless
steel scrap produces far fewer emissions compared with the mining and multiple
stages of processing inherent with using NPI.
The WorldStainless
report also makes a case for a longer life cycle for durable
stainless steel products as working in the metal’s favor on the CO2 emissions front. “It should also be noted
that the life cycle emissions associated with using stainless steels offer a
different and more compelling perspective of the benefits of using sustainable
and resilient materials,” writes the group.