Steel is a material that can be produced with a low environmental impact, without waste. It can be recycled, and more than any other material, it meets the principles of sustainability and social responsibility: steel is therefore a key pillar for a sustainable society. No other product is manufactured with the same respect for the environment and can contribute to environmental protection through its multiple applications.

Through recycling and assessment, steel contributes to the sustainable use of resources, which are not unlimited, and are therefore preserved for future generations. Its life cycle is unlimited and it can be recycled endlessly without losing quality.

All steel products can be recycled: steel from a car, for example is used to make a washing machine, a bike or can. Steel can be recycled completely. For every ton of recovered steel and iron, the extraction of 1.5 tons of iron ore is avoided. The sub-products derived from the manufacture of steel are completely recycled. For example, the raw materials, construction materials and chemical products used are reintroduced into the life cycle of materials. For example, ferrous materials are used in the cement industry and the construction of roads, iron oxide is used in the varnish industry and as a magnetisable material in hard discs. Steel slag replace limestone, gravel and other similar materials.

In addition, multiple recycling steps guarantees a reduction in the “carbon footprint” of steel. Co₂ emissions derived from the preparation of one ton of steel are reduced by 50% compared to primary production through recycling multiple times.

Intense recycling of steel not only helps save energy, it also significantly reduces Co₂ emissions.