Scrap Metal from Classes E1 and E3 Used for Steel Manufacturing in Connection with European Legislation and Climate Policies

Abstract

To meet the challenges of the steel industry in the European Union related to natural resources and carbon resources, scrap recycling is crucial. Grade E1 (heavy iron) and E3 (mixed iron) are two of the scrap categories used in electric arc furnaces (EAF), a process that uses up to 70% recycled material. This significantly reduces the dependence on minerals and lowers CO₂ emissions compared to traditional blast furnace (BOF) processes.
In the European Union, scrap recycling accounts for around 40% of steel production, and most of the recycled material is used internally in the industry, with a recycling rate of up to 90%. Advanced sorting technologies, including artificial intelligence and hyperspectral imaging, improve the quality of scrap and reduce impurities, which can affect the final properties of the steel. This process also contributes to the circular economy, reducing waste and promoting the  sustainable use of resources.
European climate policies, such as the Green Deal and circular economy regulations, support the use of scrap to decarbonise the steel industry. For example, EAF, which uses recycled iron, has a much lower environmental impact compared to traditional processes, saving up to 75% of carbon emissions, a key element of the transition to a greener and more sustainable steel industry in Europe. Thus, recycling scrap, mainly E1 and E3 grades, not only supports local economies and reduces costs, but also contributes significantly to achieving the European Union's climate goals, playing a role in the transition to a circular economy and reducing carbon emissions.