EAF steelmaking transition could reduce industry’s emissions footprint by 38 percent

U.K. metals recycling’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions could fall 93 percent by 2050, while switching to steel made from electric arc furnaces (EAFs) alone could reduce the industry’s emission footprint by 38 percent, according to a study commissioned by the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA).

The study, “A Carbon Footprint Assessment,” is the first of its kind for the U.K.’s metals recycling industry, BMRA says, and was conducted by Tunley Environmental, Leeds, England, to better understand emissions and align the industry with the U.K. government’s legally binding net-zero target. 

BMRA summarized the assessment in its “Recycling Today for a Greener Tomorrow: A Roadmap to Net Zero for the UK Metals Recycling Industry,” concluding that the industry could see dramatic decreases in its Scopes 1 and 2 (direct) and Scope 3 (indirect) emissions.

In addition to the 93 percent reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions, the overall footprint of the country’s metals recycling industry, including emissions from upstream and downstream third parties that include smelting and refining by steelmakers, could be reduced by 70 percent.

Based on the assessment, the BMRA is asking the U.K. government for five key things:

1. to ensure that metals recycling businesses are eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme;
2. to expand the uptake of biofuels by introducing a 10-pence-per-liter reduction in fuel duty for biofuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), with an annual review to ensure competitiveness;
3. to provide affordable financing, allowing operators to secure government-backed low-interest rate loans for power and grid connection infrastructure upgrades;
4. to incorporate fee modulation based on recyclability and recycled content criteria into upcoming reforms of the batteries, end-of-life vehicle and waste electrical and electronic equipment regulations; and
5. to adopt science-based standards, such as the Steel Climate Standard formulated by the Global Steel Climate Council, which do not penalize recycled content.

“This assessment not only reinforces metals recycling’s current environmental and sustainable credentials, but shows how it can go further, substantially reducing its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and progress towards the UK being the first in the world to produce net zero recycled metal,” James Kelly, BMRA CEO, says.

He adds that the five proposed policy changes will accelerate the journey to net zero in addition to reducing operational costs and facilitating the move to sustainable processes.

BMRA President Susie Burrage adds, “Metals recycling has always been central to the U.K.’s circular economy and has been preventing emissions and conserving vital resources for generations. But, as we strive for net zero, our industry’s role has never been more important. This roadmap shows that with the right policies, collaboration and investment, the U.K. metal recyclers can accelerate towards being the first in the world to produce a net-zero recycled metal.”