BackSteel is one of the most critical materials in modern life, used in everything from buildings and bridges to cars and appliances. However, its production is one of the largest industrial contributors to global CO2 emissions, accounting for approximately 8% of worldwide emissions due to the high temperatures needed to extract iron from ore. To combat this, the steel industry must evolve by increasing the use of scrap metal, which melts at lower temperatures than metal ore, thereby reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
What is Green Steel?
Green steel refers to steel produced using methods that significantly reduce carbon emissions. For over a century, most steel has been made using blast furnaces, which rely on coal to extract iron from ore, releasing vast amounts of CO2. However, an alternative technology is rapidly gaining traction: Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs). Unlike blast furnaces, EAFs use recycled scrap metal as their primary raw material and rely on electricity instead of coal, making the process far cleaner and more energy efficient. EAF steel production generates only one-third of the emissions compared to blast furnace steelmaking and, when powered by renewable energy, offers an even cleaner solution. This makes scrap metal recycling essential to the transition toward sustainable steel production.
How Metal Recycling and Unimetals Support Green Steel
Producing steel from scrap can cut CO2 emissions by nearly 1.5 tons per ton of steel compared to virgin steelmaking; it also uses up to 74% less energy, significantly reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Beyond emissions and energy savings, recycling helps preserve natural resources by reducing the need for iron ore mining, which in turn protects ecosystems and limits industrial waste.
As a leading metal recycler, Unimetals plays a vital role in supplying high-quality scrap metal to steel manufacturers, helping them reduce their reliance on virgin raw materials. Our advanced recycling processes ensure that scrap metal is efficiently collected, sorted, and prepared for reuse in steelmaking, supporting a closed-loop system that cuts emissions and conserves resources. By choosing Unimetals as your recycling partner, you’re not just disposing of scrap metal, you’re contributing to a cleaner, greener future for the steel industry.
Overcoming Industry Challenges
While green steel is the future, scaling up its production depends on a consistent, high-quality supply of scrap metal. Unimetals is committed to addressing this challenge by enhancing collection networks, improving sorting technologies, and ensuring a reliable supply of scrap metal for steelmakers. By partnering with Unimetals, businesses can be part of the movement toward greener steel while benefiting from efficient, sustainable metal recycling solutions.
Let’s build a cleaner, more sustainable future. Contact Unimetals today at info@unimetals.com to learn more about how we can support your green steel initiatives or visit our website.
