MATERIALS

Processed non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals can be defined as all metals containing a maximum of 10% iron. More often than not, such metals include copper, brass, aluminium, lead, zinc, stainless steel and tin.

These recoverable metals have a range of sources and are most commonly produced by:

  • Manufacturing plant scraps.
  • End-of-life equipment (household appliances, water heaters, end-of-life vehicles, gutters, power and telephone cables, motor and transformer winding, aluminium joinery profiles).

Non-ferrous metal prices are set by the London Metal Exchange (LME).

Les métaux non-ferreux les plus courants sont : le cuivre, le laiton, l'aluminium, le plomb, le zinc, l'inox et l'étain.
NON-FERROUS METALS

Classifying non-ferrous metals

Non-ferrous metals are by and large distinguished for their unique attributes. The latter include corrosion resistance, low density and conductivity. Essentially, the classification refers to all metals containing little or no iron content.

Aluminium

Aluminium is not only one of the most corrosion resistant metals; it’s also lightweight and malleable. Because of its high resistance to corrosion, it has a longer lifespan.

Thanks to its attributes, aluminium is one of the easily – and almost infinitely – recyclable metals despite using considerable energy.

Eco-friendly benefits aside, aluminium recycling is also a cost-effective solution when compared with bauxite extraction and electrolysis.

Ever since the 2000s, over 70% of aluminium is produced by recovery processes (secondary smelting).

Aluminium – Briquettes

This refers to smelted aluminium scrap motor parts, excluding free iron components and other foreign materials.

Aluminium – Crankcases

New cuttings of non-ferrous aluminium in the post-production phase.

Aluminium – New cuttings

Aluminium turnings.

Aluminium – Turnings

Copper

Copper is used in electric and telephone wiring and is the go-to material for practically all cables. On top of that, it is found in most electric appliances as winding for household and computer equipment. Copper is also preferred to make water and gas pipes.

Copper can be infinitely recycled without losing its essential properties. As such, it’s the ideal metal for recycling and recovery. Since the 1970s, demand for copper has increased steadily, making it one of the most coveted on the global market and potentially commanding a higher price. Copper recycling is key to satisfying global demand while maintaining competitive prices.

Multiple new copper sources.

New copper

Copper cables 40%.

Copper cables 40%

Stainless steel

18/8 stainless steel (Alloy of 18% chromium, 8% nickel and 74% iron) from all sources.

304 stainless steel – 18/8

According to the European standard EN-10088-1, stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium. It contains a minimum 12% chromium and maximum 2% carbon.

Main recoverable stainless steels:
18/8 (304 stainless steel) – Food-grade
18/10 and 18/12 (316 stainless steel) – Surgical-grade, marine, chemical and oil industries
F17 (430 stainless steel) – Household goods and appliances, sinks, appliance trims, etc.

316 stainless steel

According to the European standard EN-10088-1, stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium. It contains a minimum 12% chromium and maximum 2% carbon.

Main recoverable stainless steels:
18/8 (304 stainless steel) – Food-grade 18/10 and 18/12 (316 stainless steel) – Surgical-grade, marine, chemical and oil industries
F17 (430 stainless steel) – Household goods and appliances, sinks, appliance trims, etc.
F13 stainless steel

F13 stainless steel

According to the European standard EN-10088-1, stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium. It contains a minimum 12% chromium and maximum 2% carbon.

Main recoverable stainless steels:
18/8 (304 stainless steel) – Food-grade
18/10 and 18/12 (316 stainless steel) – Surgical-grade, marine, chemical and oil industries
F17 (430 stainless steel) – Household goods and appliances, sinks, appliance trims, etc.

F17 stainless steel

Special steels

According to the European standard EN-10088-1, stainless steel is an alloy of iron, carbon and chromium. It contains a minimum 12% chromium and maximum 2% carbon.

Main recoverable stainless steels:
18/8 (304 stainless steel) – Food-grade
18/10 and 18/12 (316 stainless steel) – Surgical-grade, marine, chemical and oil industries
F17 (430 stainless steel) – Household goods and appliances, sinks, appliance trims, etc.

Tungsten carbide

Globally, high-speed steel is the most widely used metal. There’s a perfectly valid reason for this: it’s mined. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable metals, due to an extensive supply. That said, it’s extremely prone to corrosion. Use can therefore be restricted to welding stainless materials. Though, generally, high-speed steel is combined with other metals.

High-speed steel

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