Starting in 1906 in Oregon as a one-man scrap metal business, Schnitzer Steel has long understood the importance of finding new value in discarded materials. Today, we are investing in new technology to enhance recovery of metallics and meet customer quality needs, while minimizing environmental impacts.
Our Metals Recycling Business diverts steel and other metals from landfills and puts this material to productive use throughout the world. Every ton of recycled steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal and 120 pounds of limestone. It also reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with mining virgin iron ore and ore-based steel production.
Our Auto Parts Business reduces the need to manufacture new parts by providing affordable used auto parts to consumers across the U.S. and Canada. We recycle about 300,000 cars annually, with estimated savings equivalent to 8,811 pounds of CO2 per car.
Our Steel Manufacturing Business is operated on highly efficient and sustainable business practices, which are constantly evaluated for improvement. For example, the innovative electric arc furnaces that process scrap metal use 75 percent less energy than furnaces used in ore-based steel production.
As we look to the future, we are confident that sustainability will remain central to our business success, providing additional opportunities to obtain added value from recyclables.
The following pages offer some examples of how Schnitzer Steel continues to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the environment.
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