The importance of scrap
Gerdau is the largest recycler in Latin America and around the world it transforms, each year, millions of metric tons of scrap into steel, contributing to environmental preservation and reducing the quantity of material deposited in landfills and at inappropriate sites. By using scrap steel in its steel production process, Gerdau also contributes reduces energy use and, as a consequence, CO2 emissions. Moreover, the extensive chain of scrap metal collection and processing for reuse creates job opportunities for thousands of people.
Where the scrap comes from
Most of the scrap recycled by Gerdau is material that is no longer used by society, such as old stoves, freezers and cars. This material is recycled and transformed into new steel products. Gerdau also recycles industrial waste steel from the automotive, packaging and appliance industries.
Scrap recycling process: