In their presentation of the new status report on the circular economy (Statusbericht Kreislaufwirtschaft) 2024, the BDSV (Federal Association of German Steel Recycling and Disposal Companies) and the VDM (German trade association of companies in the metal trading and metal recycling industry) emphasize the outstanding role of the steel and metal recycling industry.
The steel and metal recycling industry is of critical importance for the circular economy. Not only does it stand for efficient recycling of steel and metal scraps that saves resources, the sector is also active as a reliable partner for the industry. By using high-quality processed materials, the need for ores is significantly diminished, which makes production more environmentally friendly, emphasize both associations in their joint declaration.
The contribution by the BDSV to the status report of the circular economy 2024 underlines the strategic importance of recycling steel for the German circular economy, and explains the advantages of recycled steel for the environment. The use of one tonne of steel scraps to produce steel leads to saving no less than 1.67 tonnes of CO2, while using one tonne of stainless steel scraps saves even 6.7 tonnes of CO2.
In the status report, the VDM also emphasises the importance of international trade for the metal recycling industry. In order to support the industry, it is critical that lawmakers and public authorities come to understand the global, fast and flexible manner of action. This is the only efficient way to reintroduce all raw materials into the circular flow.
The associations wish for more support for the importance of steel and metal recycling as a central element in the circular economy within either the German sustainability strategy or the national strategy for a circular economy.
