Recycling of scrap
Scrap is the main component in BIRN's cast iron production
We are committed to reducing our negative environmental impact, and recycling scrap is a crucial factor in this.
As green as possible
Steel scrap is the main component in BIRN's cast iron production. In fact, BIRN's cast iron consists of as much as 93 percent recycled material, which comes from e.g . cars, trucks and washing machines to steel from construction and industrial production. Virtually all the scrap that BIRN purchases comes from Denmark. This means, among other things, that the transport of steel scrap from supplier to our foundry is minimized and that we use as little pig iron as possible.
Close collaboration with scrap suppliers
At BIRN, we work closely with the recycling companies that can supply steel scrap to ensure the most stable supply of a material that is inherently available in unpredictable quantities. It is important that our flow of scrap to our foundry is stable so that we can maintain our cast iron production. That's why we form strong partnerships with suppliers where we have a close and ongoing dialog about delivery.
High demands on quality
Recycling scrap places high demands on the quality of the steel scrap. We ensure this with a thorough incoming inspection, which ensures that the scrap is both clean and dry, in the right sizes and free from chemicals such as paint or other surface treatment.
"It is significantly better for both the environment and the economy to use scrap in our cast iron rather than pig iron. With a recycling rate of as much as 93 percent in our cast iron, we utilize the precious resources that are already available, and by using steel scrap, almost exclusively from Danish scrap suppliers, we minimize the climate impact of transporting scrap from supplier to foundry."
Jesper Astrup, Group Purchase Manager
Raw material consumption
The composition of materials in cast iron consists of both virgin and recycled raw materials. Recycled raw materials include steel scrap, machining shavings and foundry returns from the casting process. Virgin raw materials include pig iron and alloy materials.
Circular project gives foundry financial support
An optimization project has increased the number of so-called “doughnut briquettes” in BIRN's melting of iron from 15 to 25 percent. In addition to keeping material costs down, the project also benefits the environment; the briquettes consist of, among other things, steel wire from used car tires, which now go into BIRN’s melting furnaces.
A week in the name of sustainability
Again this year, BIRN participates in Sustain Week, which is a local event in Holstebro, Denmark, the first week of September 2024.
This time, we participate with our case about future collaborations on the recycling of cast iron.
Contact
Whether you are an existing supplier to BIRN or if you want to have a dialogue about a possible future collaboration, we are always available.
Jesper Astrup, Group Purchase Manager
Let's talk