The Carbon Footprint Assessment concluded that deep decarbonisation across the sector is achievable, with further significant reductions possible across the wider metals value chain, provided supportive government policy and investment are put in place.
James Kelly, CEO at the BMRA, commented: “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.”
Electric Arc Furnaces offer opportunity
Conducted by Tunley Environmental, the Assessment examined current and future emissions across Scope 1 and 2 (direct emissions from operations and purchased energy), as well as Scope 3 emissions from upstream and downstream activities such as smelting and refining by steelmakers.
It found that Scope 1 and 2 emissions from UK metals recycling operations could fall by 93% through a combination of electrification, cleaner fuels, energy efficiency improvements and wider decarbonisation of the electricity grid.
One of the most significant opportunities identified is the transition to steel produced using Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs).
The report estimates that switching to EAR-based steelmaking alone could reduce the industry’s emissions footprint by 38%.
Beyond operational emissions, the Assessment also highlighted the sector’s potential
The BMRA said the findings demonstrate that metals recycling is already a low-carbon activity, but one that could go “much further” with the right policy framework in place, helping align the sector with the UK Government’s legally binding net zero target.
Government support for metals recycling
Based on the evidence set out in the Assessment, the BMRA has outlined five key policy asks aimed at accelerating the industry’s transition to net zero while safeguarding competitiveness and jobs.
These are:
- To ensure that metals recycling businesses are eligible for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme
- To expand the uptake of biofuels by introducing a 10p per litre reduction in fuel duty for biofuels
- To provide affordable financing, allowing operators to secure Government-backed low-interest rate loans for power and grid connection infrastructure upgrades
- 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
- To adopt science-based standards, such as the Steel Climate Standard formulated by the Global Steel Climate Council, which do not penalise recycled content
Kelly added: “Like most progressive and innovative ideas, changes to Government policy are needed to support the industry to enable this transition.
“The five proposed policy changes will accelerate the journey to net zero, safeguard the industry, make operational costs cheaper, and the move to sustainable processes easier.”
