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What is green metal and how will it benefit the planet?

Written by: 
Mia Barnes

When you think of the metal industry, “green” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. It’s usually more along the lines of loud, heavy, clinging and crashing, sparks flying. 

Though ‘scrap metal’ might sound like a cool name for a band, it’s actually way more valuable than you’d expect. 

So what scrap is not so crap? 

Green steel... no, it’s not steel dipped in matcha. It’s steel made with dramatically lower carbon emissions, often using hydrogen instead of coal, or created from scrap metal in electric arc furnaces.

Same strength, same shine, just way less pollution. And considering how steel is everywhere, from cars to bridges to your trusty frying pan, cleaning up how it’s made can have a massive environmental impact.

How does this change things? 

Producing metals the 'old-school' way is energy intensive and carbon heavy. But by recycling and switching to cleaner processes, we’re talking major environmental wins.

  • Less mining

  • Fewer emissions

  • And way less waste clogging up landfills

How will recovered metal be used for the future? 

As demand for electric cars, wind turbines, and solar panels soars, the need for metals grows too. With green steel and recycled copper, we don’t have to choose between progress and the planet.

Looking to sell or buy recovered metal?

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Date

May 20, 2025

Author

Mia Barnes

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