The Win-Win Scenario in Recycling Nickel Alloy

Why recycling metals is a win-win case for both the industry and the environment. This is especially true for nickel alloy, a non-ferrous metal that is highly recyclable and recoverable from most metal scraps. Since nickel alloy and other recyclable metals are highly valued, there is already an established system and structure in collecting and processing them. In fact, in many countries, the business and economics of collecting, segregating, preparing, processing, and using scrap metal alloys employ a lot of people. It is also very relevant for the industries of mining and refining ores.

The efficiency of recycling nickel alloy is one of the highest

Nickel and nickel alloy can be processed over again without altering their original state and can be converted into a different form but remains highly valuable. Better yet, it is estimated that about 68% of all nickel found from products is efficiently recycled and starts its new life cycle. This is why recycling is a vital part of nickel’s life cycle and serves a very important contributor to sustainability globally. Many nickel-containing products like stainless steel are very durable and are specially designed for long-term use. Because of this, the demand for recycled nickel and nickel alloy continues to grow.

The declaration on recycling principles

Way back in 2006, a lot of metal commodity companies in the metals industry had made a declaration on recycling principles. Its main goal is to encourage manufacturers, product designers, and policy makers to use and embrace the life cycle thinking approach when creating and developing policies covering metal recycling. As most metals can be recycled over and over again without losing their properties, resources must be directed to recycling activities to help promote it.

The conveners to the declaration all agreed that the best approach to recycling nickel alloy scraps is the life cycle approach which considers the material flows at the end of the product life. It provides the most accurate evaluation of both economic and environmental ramifications aimed at boosting recycling. Best of all, it helps facilitate decision-making that identifies the inefficiencies and environmental impacts while optimizing product recovery and material recyclability.