Pig iron: An essential product for iron utilities

Pig iron is the intermediate product of smelting iron ore with a high-carbon fuel such as coke, usually with limestone as a flux. Charcoal and anthracite have also been used as fuel. Pig iron has very high carbon content, typically 3.5–4.5%, which makes it very brittle and not useful directly as a material except for limited applications

Tyres and versatile rubber recycling

Mainly composed of rubber, textiles and steel, tyres are an ideal product for recycling. Recycling tyres translates into lower energy consumption, a reduction in emissions and most importantly, a reduction in the amount of raw rubber needed for manufacturing which ultimately contributes to preserve natural resources like crude oil

Non ferrous metals and recycling prospects

The most commonly used non-ferrous metals are aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium, cobalt, chromium and precious metals. Millions of tonnes of nonferrous scrap are recovered annually and used by smelters, refiners, ingot makers, foundries, and other manufacturers

Non ferrous metals and recycling prospects

The most commonly used non-ferrous metals are aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, nickel, titanium, cobalt, chromium and precious metals. Millions of tonnes of nonferrous scrap are recovered annually and used by smelters, refiners, ingot makers, foundries, and other manufacturers

Dynamics of ferrous metals

Ferrous metals are mainly composed of iron and have magnetic properties. Steel, an iron alloy containing carbon, is by far the most-recycled material in the world. Total steel production in 2008 reached 1.3 billion tonnes, of which over 500 million tonnes were made from scrap metal

Steel scrap consumption trends and use

Chinese steel scrap imports fell dramatically in 2010 while Turkey imports rose along with that of Thailand. Turkey's imports rose 22.5% last year

Stainless steel and benefits of recycling

Recycling of stainless steel leads to huge savings in energy and materials, recycling one tonne of steel saves 1,100 kilograms of iron ore, 630 kilograms of coal, and 55 kilograms of limestone.

Old ships end in shipbreaking yards

Ships irrespective of their size and celebrity status ultimately end up for recycling in ship breaking years after a life span of 30 to 40 years

Reuse aluminium to save planet

Aluminium cans are recycled into new aluminium cans. Used beverage cans are normally back on supermarket shelves as new beverage cans in 6-8 weeks. With a growing percentage of cans made from aluminium, because of its lightweight qualities, this ensures a healthy market for aluminium.

Add recycle power to batteries

Batteries contain chemicals that are harmful to humans, such as mercury, cadmium and lead. Even though elements like lead are being phased out in battery manufacturing, there are still some around. The harmful elements in batteries can enter landfill and cause serious consequences to human health years down the track.

Make the best out of E-waste

E-waste is one of the biggest threats to environment now. With various harmful components embedded in the electronic equipments during the manufacturing phase are posing a problem; not only to nature and animals at large, but also to human kind.