Stainless steel recycling key to fighting climate change in Thailand

Netherlands-based metals recycling powerhouse Oryx Stainless unveiled a study that could transform the climate change game in Thailand.

A study commissioned by Oryx Stainless unearthed a remarkable potential for mitigating climate change through increased stainless steel recycling, shedding light on its societal and environmental benefits.

Conducted by a collaboration of Thai and German scientists, with support from The Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW and the German Embassy in Thailand, the study delves into the transformative impact of stainless steel recycling on Thailand’s carbon footprint.

According to Oryx, the study showcases the substantial CO2 savings achieved through recycling stainless steel, laying the groundwork for a sustainable future.

Oryx Stainless reveals the findings of a pioneering study conducted in collaboration with Thai and German scientists, demonstrating the monumental potential of stainless steel recycling in combatting climate change, not only in Thailand but on a global scale.

The study, backed by The Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW and the German Embassy in Thailand, examined the profound societal and environmental benefits of recycling stainless steel in Thailand. According to Oryx, the results are nothing short of astonishing.

“For every ton of stainless steel scrap used to produce new stainless steel, 6.71 tons of CO2 are saved compared to the use of primary raw materials.”

Recyclable steel

Based on the stainless steel scrap processed by Oryx Stainless in Thailand in 2021, the study estimates CO2 savings of a staggering 556,000 tonnes, equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of an entire district near an Oryx Stainless plant. This figure also represents 1.45% of Thailand’s total greenhouse gas emissions from industrial processes in 2021.

Sirichai Tempoomsuk, the CFO of Oryx Stainless Thailand, underscores the study’s implications.

“The smart use of recycling raw materials like stainless steel scrap can significantly contribute to the fight against climate change.

“Stainless steel can be recycled without any loss of quality, with 95% recycled globally at the end of its lifespan.”

Moreover, the economic benefits of recycling are substantial, with Oryx Stainless preventing approximately US$52 million (approximately 1 billion baht) in spending on ores and mining in Thailand by reintroducing stainless steel scrap into the production cycle.

The study suggests implementing a pricing system tied to CO2 emissions and expanding Thailand’s Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model to include metal scrap, presenting policymakers with actionable insights to foster a sustainable future, reported Recycling Today.

Christian Klöppelt, a research fellow at The Fraunhofer Center, stressed the need for policy intervention.

“Smart recycling creates economic and environmental benefits for Thai society, necessitating a level playing field for raw materials and favourable operating conditions for the recycling industry.”