Copper-Iron
Copper-iron materials encompass a diverse range of products, where iron constitutes the primary component and copper plays a secondary role. Consider an electric motor, for instance, where iron makes up 90% and copper 10% of its composition. Anchors, transformers, and rotors are additional examples falling within this category.
Copper
Copper, stands out as a valuable non-ferrous metal. Recognized for its softness and excellent conductivity, it finds application in diverse uses, from electromagnets to wiring and piping. Due to its high market value, around 15% of copper comes from recycled sources, addressing both economic and environmental concerns. With an impressive 80% recyclability rate, the majority of mined copper remains in active circulation.
Zinc
Much like copper, zinc and its alloys boast a rich history of use spanning centuries. Brass, a renowned zinc alloy, results from blending zinc with copper, with zinc content ranging from 5% to 45%. Today, zinc finds extensive application in corrosion protection, known as galvanization. This process is pivotal in crafting items such as fire escapes, bicycle racks, crash barriers, and fasteners like bolts, nuts, and screws. While zinc is extracted from ore, recycling plays a crucial role, utilizing scrap zinc from sources like guttering.
Aluminium
Aluminum, prized for its lightweight nature, is utilized in two main forms: cast and forged. Cast aluminum dominates the automotive industry, with 90% sourced from recycling. Forged aluminum serves horticulture, yacht building, and infrastructure. Resistant to weather and corrosion, aluminum demands minimal upkeep, making it a preferred choice for items like bridge components. Notably, 75% of produced aluminum remains in circulation, driven by its high recyclability, reaching 95% to 98%.
Brass
Brass, a copper-zinc alloy with variable proportions, boasts relative hardness compared to soft copper. Widely embraced in the sanitary sector for its corrosion resistance, brass finds applications in taps, piping, and fittings. Beyond functionality, its golden hue makes it a decorative choice for ornamental door fittings and jewelry. Brass stands out as an ideal recyclable material, with an estimated 90% of all brass alloys eventually recycled and melted down for reuse.
E-waste
The electronics recycling market holds immense growth potential, driven by the ever-shortening replacement cycle for electronic devices. The continuous updates in functionality, features, and appearance, especially in products like TVs and computers, prompt consumers to seek the latest models, rendering the older ones obsolete. Despite their 'old' status, these products often house valuable components, including rare metals and PCBs.
Iron & Steel
Iron stands as the most extensively utilized metal globally, predominantly in the form of steel. Iconic structures owe their existence to steel's affordability and strength. Its versatility extends across various industries, from shipping to automotive. Steel holds the distinction of being the most recycled construction material worldwide, with approximately 95% finding reuse in subsequent stages.
Lead
Lead, a soft, blue-grey metal with a notable specific weight, has a rich historical application. It featured in various uses, including paints, dyes, fuels, and even personal care items. In construction, lead was once favored, especially for water pipes due to its corrosion resistance (a practice dating back to Roman times). However, its usage diminished after the recognition of lead's health and environmental risks. Today, lead is confined to applications such as roofing and chimneys (lead sheeting) and serves as an electrode in batteries.