Environmental aspects of stainless steel
- Recycling and the long term life of stainless steel
- So how does stainless steel improve modern day life?
- Improvements to air quality
- Reduction in the use of fossil fuels
- Keeps water clean
- Reduces waste
- Further Information
Recycling and the long term life of stainless steel
Today, where environmental issues are so important in saving and preserving our world, stainless steel can emerge as an excellent recyclable material.
“Did you know stainless steel is 100% recyclable?”
Stainless steel is theoretically 100% recyclability and its long term life makes it an ideal environmental performer much better than many other materials. Stainless steel products are designed to have a long life; often spanning over several decades. This long term life generally is the reason for choosing stainless steel in the first place. However of course there will be a time when the stainless steel does come to the end of its useful life. The end of life may be reached due to fashion changes (product still functions but the design is out-dated), technological redundancy (product is replaced by a more efficient technology) or the product reaches the end of its design life.
Even though the end of life is reached, this does not mean that the stainless steel is not useful as a recyclable product. The main alloying elements of stainless steel (chromium, nickel and molybdenum) are all highly valuable and can be easily be recovered and separated from other materials.
“Did you know that any stainless steel object has an approximate recycled content of 60%”
In 2007, around 27 million tonnes of stainless steel were produced, taking approximately 16 million tonnes of recycled stainless steel and other materials to generate this quantity. The amount of recycled stainless steel in any stainless object is approximately 60%, this will increase however as the use of stainless steel expands as stainless steel produced today will not necessarily be recycled for 20-30 years.
“Stainless steel is made up of:
25% Old scrap such as end of life products
35% New scrap which is returning from production
40% New raw materials added”
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Despite the very high recyclability properties of stainless steel, in some circumstances stainless steel will still find its way into disposal sites etc. Unlike many other metals, in this situation stainless steel will have no damaging effects on the soil and water.
So how does stainless steel improve modern day life?
Stainless steel has many environmental and social benefits. Stainless steel products enable us to lead a healthier life and are cleaner for the environment as well. Even though it is impossible to demonstrate all areas where it is beneficial, below are some of the main examples where stainless steel is used.
Improvements to air quality
Air emissions are always a problem in today’s moving world, where pollution is of such high importance. The greater influx of cars on the road, planes in the air and production factories all add to the problem. The effect of increased levels of ‘greenhouse gases’ on climate change is maybe the most debated example although pollutants which cause ‘acid rain’ are also worth noting. Ways in which stainless can help reduce this problem can be:
The image below shows the inside of a catalytic convertor:
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“Diesel filters can filter out 95% of black smoke and 85% of soot particles”
Reduction in the use of fossil fuels
We all know that it is important to save the worlds supply of fossil fuels. News headlines are always pushing the need for us all to do our part to save non-renewable energy forms. Stainless steel is now being used in many applications which can help to reduce the use of fossil fuels, these can include:
“Stainless steel condensing boilers have a 100% efficiency rating”
The image belows demonstrates a domestic fuel cell:
“Liquefied gas accounts for 10% of the Japanese energy supply”
Keeps water clean
It is so important that water is kept clean, not just for our health but for the environment as well. Stainless steel can be used to improve the cleanliness of water. The list below shows how stainless steel can help keep water cleaner:
Stainless steel pipes for drinking systems help to keep water clean and quality standards high. Stainless steel guarantees lasting hygiene and prevents the formation of any medium on which bacteria can grow. Correct grade selection will minimise the risk of any localised corrosion, meaning there is practically no contamination of water in contact with the stainless steel. Leaching levels of nickel and chromium have also been proven to be less than the maxima permitted by the European Drinking Water Directive.
For more information on stainless steels and drinking water click here
Waste water plants are using stainless steel in the transportation of waste water products, due to the possible corrosive nature of the water. Stainless steels durability and low maintenance also make it the best material to use. Therefore the reason for stainless steel is to maximise service life and to minimise malfunctioning.
Below is an image from inside a waste water plant:
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ISSF have produced an animation which demonstrates just how precious water is as a resource. This document provides further information on how stainless steel is used in a water context: To view the annimation click here
Reduces waste
Stainless steel can be used to prevent the amount of waste gases and materials given off, as well as the disposal of waste products. The list below demonstrates some areas where waste reduction occurs:
Because the composting process releases many corrosive gases, stainless steel is best used for this process. Other reasons for its use include its ability to last over a long time period, therefore making it more economically attractive.
Stainless steel is being used for the recycling of cardboard and paper, meaning it makes a major contribution to the reduction of the waste steam as well as the protection to trees.
The image below shows a paper/pulp production plant:
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Stainless steel is also being used in cities all around the world for recycling collectors. They are corrosion resistant and not only look more attractive than a conventional bin, but they help to keep the environment cleaner as well.
Further information regarding how stainless steel can benefit everyday life can be obtained from the ISSF animation “Stainless Steel for a Cleaner World”. Click here to view the annimation
Further Information
For further information on the environmental aspects of stainless try the links below:ISSF
The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) is a non-profit research organisation, which serves as the world forum on various aspects of the international stainless steel industry. Founded in 1996, ISSF has its own Secretary General, Board of Directors, Committees and budgets. ISSF is legally a part of the International Iron and Steel Institute (IISI). To visit the ISSF home page click here
Pages of interest may include:
Euro Inox
Euro Inox is the European market development association for stainless steel. Its members include European stainless steel producers, national stainless steel development associations (which includes the BSSA) and development associations of the alloying associations. The aims of Euro Inox are to raise awareness and inform the users of stainless steel of its potential. It has information on a variety of grades, products and technological properties and design and fabrication. To visit the Euro Inox home page click here
Pages of interest may include:
Nickel Institute
The Nickel Institute has an extensive range of literature on stainless steels and other nickel containing materials which can be ordered or downloaded directly from the site. This covers application market sectors which includes architecture and building, food processing and catering, environment, marine, oile and gas, power generation, chemical, petrochemical, automotive, water (supply, desalination, waste) and plumbing and swimming pool buildings. To visit the Nickel Institute home page click here
Pages of interest may include:
IMOA
The International Molybdenum Association (IMOA) is an association with scientific purposes. It is the focal point of promotion, statistical and technical activities for the worldwide molybdenum industry. The website provides information on where the element is mined, the reserves that are left, and product it is used in and their development. There are several publications discussing molybdenum and its applications. To visit the IMOA home page click here
Pages of interest may include:
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