A new paper from the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) argues that current global standards for ‘green steel’ production inherently disadvantage processes relying heavily on recycled metal. This critical assessment calls for a re-evaluation of low-carbon steel definitions to fully recognise the environmental benefits of scrap utilisation, urging a policy shift that could accelerate India’s journey towards a truly circular economy and more sustainable urban development.
The Bureau of International Recycling contends that existing methodologies used to assess the carbon footprint of steel production, particularly those defining ‘green steel’, often contain an “inherent bias” against electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, which primarily uses recycled steel scrap. This bias, they argue, stems from accounting practices that may not fully credit the significant emissions reductions achieved by avoiding the energy-intensive primary production of steel from iron ore and coal. Consequently, the current framework risks inadvertently slowing the transition to genuinely lower-carbon steelmaking pathways.
Recycled metal, particularly steel scrap, offers a profound environmental advantage. Producing steel from scrap requires substantially less energy—up to 75 per cent less—compared to manufacturing it from virgin raw materials. This directly translates into a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, minimised mining activities, and less industrial waste. For a nation like India, with burgeoning steel demand and ambitious climate targets, embracing a steel production model that prioritises recycled content is not merely an environmental choice but a strategic economic imperative, aligning perfectly with ‘Make in India’ and circular economy initiatives.
The implications for India’s urban centres are profound. A robust domestic scrap collection and processing industry, incentivised by fair ‘green steel’ definitions, would lead to cleaner industrial zones, reduced air and water pollution, and healthier living environments for citizens. Furthermore, the development of a formalised recycling sector creates new employment opportunities, fostering economic equity and contributing to a more inclusive workforce. This shift supports the vision of zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities by integrating industrial processes with resource efficiency and environmental protection.
The BIR’s call for revised standards is a crucial intervention in the global dialogue on sustainable manufacturing. It urges governments and international industry bodies to re-evaluate their criteria to ensure that ‘green steel’ genuinely reflects its full environmental impact, particularly the benefits derived from using recycled content. For India, a leading global steel producer and consumer, adopting such progressive standards would not only enhance its environmental credentials but also strengthen its domestic recycling infrastructure, ensuring that its industrial growth is truly sustainable and contributes meaningfully to a greener future for its cities and society at large.
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