Scrap Metal Recycling Market

Scrap Metal Recycling Market 2021 to 2031

Fact.MR - market research and competitive intelligence provider- estimates the scrap metal recycling market to experience a growth rate of 5.5% to reach US$ 103 Bn from 2021-2031. As of 2021, demand is anticipated to touch US$ 60 Bn.

Scrap metal recycling is an energy efficient method which may reduce the carbon-footprint and cater the demand from leading end-use sectors such as building & construction, automotive, and shipbuilding for ferrous metals.

Attribute	Details
Market size value in 2020	US$ 60 Bn
Market forecast value in 2031	US$ 103 Bn
Growth Rate	5.5% during 2021-2031
Forecast Period	2021-2031
Historical Data Available for	2016-2020
Key Regions Covered	North America Latin America Europe East Asia South Asia Oceania Middle East & Africa
Key Companies Profiled	American Iron & Metal (AIM) ArcelorMittal Aurubis AG DBW Metals Recycling Kuusakoski Metallon Recycling Pte Ltd. Nucor Corporation OmniSource, LLC Sims Limited TKC Metal Recycling Inc.  K-Swiss Inc.

Sales Analysis of Scrap Metal Recycling 2016-2020 Vs Outlook 2021-2031

As per the latest intelligence report published by Fact.MR, global scrap metal recycling market expanded at around 5% CAGR during the historical period 2016-2020, reached US$ 57.1 Bn in 2020.

Prospects dimmed in Q4 of 2019 which continued till 2020 mid, attributed by economic recession and as well as sluggish growth of end use industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the market started recovering with increasing manufacturing activities and is poised to surpass US$ 103 Bn by 2031 end.

The global metal recycling market is projected to register approximately 6% growth rate across the future outlook 2021-2031. Asia is likely to dominate with China at the epicentre, while North America is growing at the highest CAGR owing to greater demand from automotive and electrical industry.

What is Driving Demand for the Scrap Metal Recycling?

Emerging automotive and construction industries are providing a forward thrust to the demand for metals in manufacturing parts and residential buildings. However, the limited availability of earth-metals and high-cost of mining earth is fuelling the scrap recycling market to meet the demand. 

Likewise, growing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions and deteriorating air quality in urban areas are boosting the demand for metal recycling. The distinctive attributes of metal recycling such as reduction of pollution, conservation of energy and saving valuable raw materials is imperative to meet global targets.

According to the Bureau of International Recycling, 40% of the steel production is made from scraps. Thus, efficient recycling of scrap metals may diminish the requirement to extract new metal will diminish with the efficient recycling of scrap metal

How are Infinite Recycling Possibilities Spurring Scrap Metal Recycling?

Metals can be infinitely recycled in a closed-loop without any degradation in quality, thus recycling of scrap metals decreases the waste produced and indirectly cutdown expenditure to obtain new metal. Recycling of ferrous metals separate distinctive grades of metal which are ideal for manufacturing electric cars and aircraft parts.

For instance, the Government of India is adopting initiatives like National Steel Policy 2017 (NSP-2017) which aims to develop a globally competitive steel industry by creating 300 million TPA Steel production capacity by 2030 with a contribution of 35-40% from EAF/IF route.

Although, scrap is the main raw material for secondary sector, the primary sector also uses scrap in the charge mix of BOF to the tune of 15% to improve efficiency, minimize cost of production and other process needs. 

How Will Changing Trends Impact the Scrap Metal Recycling Market?

Due to lockdowns in manufacturing hubs, imported steel is less available than it was before the pandemic. This means companies have to turn to green steel, or steel recycled from salvage metal, to meet their needs. Also, green steel is better for the environment because it creates fewer carbon emissions and less pollution.

However, countries like Japan are efficiently recycling E-waste like Chips, mother boards etc. and re-using the valuable metals such as Gold, Silver and Copper. In the recent Tokyo-Olympics winners were awarded with metals made of gold, silver and bronze extracted after recycling scrap metals.

Country-wise insights

Why United States is Fuelling Demand for Scrap Metal Recycling?

The United States is the leading country in North America for scrap metal recycling, and is expected to remain dominant through 2031. Highly advanced automotive and construction sectors are boosting sales in the U.S.

The estimated worth for scrap metal recycling is expected to reach US$ 25 Bn in 2021 in U.S., growing with a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. In 2019, the recycling rate of lead reached 76% while 75% of aluminium is still in use in the United in the current scenario. With its vast metal collection and recycled, the U.S. holds the largest share in the regional market.

Why is Scrap Metal Recycling Market Soaring in China? 

China is the epicentre of the world’s fastest-growing metal recycling market – Asia Pacific, and is projected to lead over the forecast period. Supported by highly advanced manufacturing sector and emerging construction and automotive sectors, China is the hotspot for players dealing in scrap metal recycling, since use of recycled metals in the building & construction sector is high in the country.

According to World Steel, China is the largest producer of steel and it produced 996.3 Mn tons in 2019 and accounted for roughly 53% of the global crude steel production. China sources roughly 20% of the raw material required for steel making from scrap recycling.

The aforementioned factors are likely to foster global consumption of consumer durables and the building & construction sector over the next two decades. A revenue share worth 55% is projected for the Chinese market.

Category-wise Insights

Why is Scrap Metal Recycling Highest in the Automotive Sector?

Scrap metal recycling is extensively used in the automotive sector. According to World Auto Steel, steel and iron components make up around 65% of the average vehicle, and hence, scrap metal recycling materials, especially ferrous materials, are highly sought-after in this sector.

By using recycled steel and aluminium scrap, automotive manufacturers and their suppliers are able to conserve raw materials, energy, and miles of landfill space.  Fact.MR expects the industry to account for 60% of total scrap metal recycling demand.

What is the Scope for the Growth of Ferrous Metal Recycling?

According to ISRI , ferrous scrap is the most recycled material in the world. The U.S Geological survey estimates that 65 million tons (143 Bn pounds) of iron and steel scrap was processed around the world in 2016, in terms of scrap

As per the report, producing steel from ferrous scrap requires 60% less energy and reduces CO2 emissions and the produced steel can be used in construction of buildings, bridges and new cars. Fact.MR expects the segment to hold 2/5th of global scrap metal recycling demand.

Competitive Landscape

Prominent players are embracing innovative approaches such as ground-breaking marketing tactics, new retail stores launch, technological advancements, mergers, and acquisitions.

• In October 2020, ArcelorMittal Long Products Canada and Triple M Metal formed Integrated Metal Recycling Inc. as a joint venture that will combine “many of the recycling activities of the two partners” in Quebec. This venture is likely to offer effective recycling of scrap metal and deliver better services to consumers.
• DBW Metals Recycling is a prominent non-ferrous metal recycling facility, based in Anaheim, Orange County, USA, which welcomes material from the general public, manufacturers, contractors and industry dealers

Key Segments Covered

• By Metal Type :

  • Ferrous Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Stainless Steel Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Carbon Steel Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Mild Steel Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Cast Iron Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Others
    • Non-ferrous Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Aluminum Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Copper Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Lead Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Nickel Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Zinc Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Brass Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Tin Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Gold Scrap Metal Recycling
    • Others

• By Scrap Type :

  • New Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Old Scrap Metal Recycling

• By Industry :

  • Building & Construction Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Automotive Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Industrial Manufacturing Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Electricals Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Shipbuilding Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Consumer Electronics Scrap Metal Recycling
  • Others