스크랩 금속 재활용 시장 규모는 2024년에 723억 4,000만 달러로 평가되며 2026년부터 2032년까지 CAGR 7.58%로 성장하여 2032년에는 1,231억 달러에 달할 것으로 예상됩니다.
스크랩 금속 재활용은 폐기된 금속 재료를 수집, 처리, 재가공하여 귀중한 금속을 회수하고 폐기물을 줄입니다.
이 공정은 일반적으로 금속 스크랩의 선별, 분쇄, 용해, 정제하여 새로운 제품으로 재사용할 수 있는 금속 스크랩의 선별을 포함합니다. 그 목적은 철, 알루미늄, 구리, 황동과 같은 금속을 재활용하고 재사용하여 천연 자원을 보호하고 환경에 미치는 영향을 줄이는 것입니다.
스크랩 금속 재활용은 다양한 산업 분야에서 광범위하게 활용되고 있습니다. 건설 및 자동차 분야에서 재활용 금속은 새로운 건축자재, 자동차 부품, 기계 제조에 사용됩니다.
또한, 이 공정은 소비재, 전자제품, 가전제품의 생산을 지원하며, 재활용 금속은 지속가능성과 비용 절감에 기여하고 있습니다. 또한, 재활용은 폐기물을 효율적으로 관리하고 버진 금속을 채취할 필요성을 줄이는 데 도움이 됩니다.
세계 스크랩 금속 재활용 시장을 형성하는 주요 시장 역학은 다음과 같습니다:
환경 인식의 증가 : 환경 문제에 대한 인식의 증가와 지속가능한 실천의 필요성이 스크랩 금속 재활용에 대한 수요를 촉진하고 매립 폐기물을 줄이고 천연 자원을 보호하는 데 기여하고 있습니다. 미국 환경보호청에 따르면, 1톤의 철강을 재활용하면 2,500 파운드의 철광석, 1,400 파운드의 석탄, 120 파운드의 석회석을 절약할 수 있다고 합니다. 이러한 자원 절약 효과로 인해 재활용에 대한 국민적 지지가 높아지고 있습니다.
규제 정책 : 재활용 및 폐기물 관리를 촉진하는 엄격한 규제와 정책은 스크랩 금속 재활용에 유리한 환경을 조성하고, 규정 준수를 보장하며, 업계의 참여를 촉진하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 중국은 2024년 4월, 2026년까지 전국적인 고철 추적 시스템을 도입하여 재활용률을 높이고 고철 불법 거래를 줄이는 것을 목표로 하고 있다고 발표했습니다.
금속 수요 증가 : 건설, 자동차, 전자 등 다양한 분야의 금속 수요 증가로 인해 공급 요건을 충족하고 버진 소재에 대한 의존도를 낮추기 위해 재활용 금속에 대한 필요성이 증가하고 있습니다. 이러한 수요 증가에 대응하기 위해 세계 최대 철강업체 중 하나인 ArcelorMittal은 2024년 3월, 향후 5년간 생산 공정에서 재활용 철강 사용을 25% 증가시킬 계획을 발표하였습니다.
기술 발전 : 첨단 선별 및 처리 장비와 같은 재활용 기술 혁신은 스크랩 금속 재활용의 효율성과 수익성을 높이고 시장 성장을 촉진하며 회수율을 향상시킬 것입니다. 예를 들어, 2024년 1월, 대형 철강 제조업체인 Nucor Corporation은 99%의 정확도로 서로 다른 금속 합금을 식별하고 분리할 수 있는 AI가 탑재된 새로운 선별 시스템을 발표하여 생산된 재활용 금속의 품질을 크게 향상시켰습니다.
주요 과제
변동하는 금속 가격 : 세계 금속 가격의 변동은 스크랩 금속 재활용의 수익성에 영향을 미치고, 재활용업체가 안정적인 수익과 투자 수준을 유지하는 것을 어렵게 합니다.
오염 문제 : 금속 스크랩에 유해물질이나 비금속 물질 등의 오염물질이 존재하면 재활용 공정이 복잡해져 비용 증가와 재생품의 품질 저하로 이어집니다.
높은 처리 비용 : 금속 스크랩의 선별, 처리 및 운송과 관련된 비용은 특히 소규모 재활용 사업의 경우 시장 경쟁력과 수익성에 영향을 미칠 수 있는 큰 비용입니다.
제한된 회수 인프라 : 특히 외딴 지역이나 인구가 적은 지역에서는 금속 스크랩의 수집 및 운송을 위한 불충분한 인프라와 물류 문제가 재활용 사업의 효율성과 성장을 저해할 수 있습니다.
주요 동향
자동화 증가 : 로봇 선별 및 AI 기반 처리 시스템과 같은 고도의 자동화 기술의 통합은 스크랩 금속 재활용의 효율성과 정확성을 높이고 회수율을 높이며 인건비를 절감할 수 있습니다. 미국 노동 통계청의 2023년 보고서에 따르면, 스크랩 금속 재활용을 포함한 폐기물 관리 및 복구 서비스 부문의 생산성은 지난 5년간 매년 2.8%씩 증가했는데, 이는 주로 자동화에 기인합니다.
전자폐기물 재활용의 성장 : 전자폐기물의 증가는 전자기기에서 귀중한 금속을 회수하기 위한 특수 재활용 공정의 개발을 촉진하여 스크랩 금속 재활용 시장의 확대와 다양화에 기여하고 있습니다. 이 과제에 대응하기 위해 Apple, Inc.는 2024년 4월 자사의 재활용 로봇 데이지(Daisy)가 도입 이후 폐기된 아이폰에서 10만 톤 이상의 희토류 원소와 귀금속을 회수했다고 밝히며 특수 전자폐기물 재활용 기술의 가능성을 강조하였습니다.
순환 경제에 대한 관심 증가 : 산업계와 정부는 폐기물을 최소화하고 환경에 미치는 영향을 줄이기 위해 금속의 재활용과 재사용을 촉진하고 있으며, 스크랩 금속 재활용 부문에 대한 투자와 기술 혁신의 증가를 촉진하고 있습니다. 최근 스웨덴 철강업체 SSAB는 2024년 3월, 2030년까지 화석연료를 사용하지 않는 철강을 생산하고 그 대부분을 재활용 고철과 재생에너지에 의존하겠다는 약속을 발표하며 업계의 순환 경제 원칙으로의 전환을 입증했습니다. 순환경제 원칙으로의 전환을 입증했습니다.
Scrap Metal Recycling Market size was valued at USD 72.34 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 123.1 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.58% from 2026 to 2032.
Scrap metal recycling involves the collection, processing, and reprocessing of discarded metal materials to recover valuable metals and reduce waste.
This process typically includes sorting, shredding, and melting metal scrap, which can then be purified and repurposed into new products. The aim is to recycle and reuse metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and brass, conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact.
Scrap metal recycling has a wide range of applications across various industries. In the construction and automotive sectors, recycled metals are used to manufacture new building materials, vehicle parts, and machinery.
The process also supports the production of consumer goods, electronics, and appliances, where recycled metals contribute to sustainability and cost savings. Additionally, recycling helps to manage waste efficiently and reduce the need for virgin metal extraction.
The key market dynamics that are shaping the global scrap metal recycling market include:
Rising Environmental Awareness: Growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable practices drive the demand for scrap metal recycling, helping to reduce landfill waste and conserve natural resources. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling one ton of steel conserves 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone. This significant resource conservation has led to increased public support for recycling initiatives.
Regulatory Policies: Stringent regulations and government policies promoting recycling and waste management create a favorable environment for scrap metal recycling, ensuring compliance and encouraging industry participation. For instance, China announced in April 2024 that it would implement a nationwide scrap metal traceability system by 2026, aiming to improve recycling rates and reduce illegal trading of scrap metals.
Increasing Metal Demand: The rising demand for metals in various sectors, including construction, automotive, and electronics, boosts the need for recycled metals to meet supply requirements and reduce dependency on virgin materials. In response to this growing demand, ArcelorMittal, one of the world's largest steel producers, announced in March 2024 its plan to increase the use of recycled steel in its production processes by 25% over the next five years.
Growing Technological Advancements: Innovations in recycling technologies, such as advanced sorting and processing equipment, enhance the efficiency and profitability of scrap metal recycling, driving market growth and improving recovery rates. For instance, in January 2024, Nucor Corporation, a leading steel producer, unveiled a new AI-powered sorting system that can identify and separate different metal alloys with 99% accuracy, significantly improving the quality of recycled metals produced.
Key Challenges:
Fluctuating Metal Prices: Volatility in global metal prices can impact the profitability of scrap metal recycling, making it challenging for recyclers to maintain stable revenue and investment levels.
Contamination Issues: The presence of contaminants in scrap metal, such as hazardous materials or non-metallic substances, can complicate the recycling process, leading to increased costs and lower-quality recycled output.
High Processing Costs: The costs associated with sorting, processing, and transporting scrap metal can be significant, particularly for smaller recycling operations, affecting overall market competitiveness and profitability.
Limited Collection Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure and logistical challenges for collecting and transporting scrap metal, especially in remote or underdeveloped areas, can hinder the efficiency and growth of recycling operations.
Key Trends
Increasing Automation: The integration of advanced automation technologies, such as robotic sorting and AI-driven processing systems, is enhancing efficiency and accuracy in scrap metal recycling, leading to higher recovery rates and reduced labor costs. According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, productivity in the waste management and remediation services sector, which includes scrap metal recycling, increased by 2.8% annually over the past five years, largely attributed to automation.
Growing E-Waste Recycling: The rising volume of electronic waste is driving the development of specialized recycling processes for recovering valuable metals from electronic devices, contributing to the expansion and diversification of the scrap metal recycling market. Responding to this challenge, Apple, Inc. revealed in April 2024 that its recycling robot, Daisy, had recovered over 100,000 metric tons of rare earth elements and precious metals from discarded iPhones since its introduction, highlighting the potential of specialized e-waste recycling technologies.
Rising Focus on Circular Economy: There is a growing emphasis on circular economy practices, with industries and governments promoting recycling and reuse of metals to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact, fostering increased investment and innovation in the scrap metal recycling sector. In a recent development, Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB announced in March 2024 its commitment to produce fossil-free steel by 2030, largely relying on recycled scrap metal and renewable energy sources, demonstrating the industry's shift towards circular economy principles.
Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global scrap metal recycling market:
Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific region is emerging as a dominant force in the global scrap metal recycling market, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and stringent environmental regulations.
Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are at the forefront of this growth, with their robust manufacturing sectors generating significant amounts of scrap metal and their governments implementing policies to promote recycling. According to China's National Bureau of Statistics, the country processed over 240 million tons of scrap metal in 2023, accounting for nearly 30% of the global scrap metal recycling market. This impressive figure underscores the region's pivotal role in driving the industry forward.
The expansion of the construction and automotive industries in the Asia Pacific has further fueled the demand for recycled metals, creating a symbiotic relationship between waste generation and resource recovery. India, in particular, has seen a surge in scrap metal recycling activities, with its government setting ambitious targets to reduce dependency on imported scrap.
The region's technological advancements in recycling processes, including automated sorting systems and advanced smelting techniques, have significantly improved recovery rates and the quality of recycled metals. These innovations have attracted substantial investments from both domestic and international players, cementing Asia Pacific's position as a hub for scrap metal recycling.
North America
North America is experiencing rapid growth in the scrap metal recycling market, driven by increasing environmental awareness, stringent regulations, and technological advancements.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are leading this expansion, with their well-established industrial sectors providing a steady stream of scrap metal for recycling. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the recycling rate for ferrous metals reached 93% in 2022, demonstrating the region's commitment to resource conservation and sustainable practices.
This high recycling rate has not only reduced the need for virgin materials but also significantly lowered energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the metal production process.
The automotive industry in North America has been a major contributor to the growth of the scrap metal recycling market, with end-of-life vehicles providing a substantial source of recyclable metals. Additionally, the construction sector's increasing use of recycled metals in building projects has further boosted demand.
The region's advanced recycling infrastructure, coupled with ongoing investments in cutting-edge technologies, has enhanced the efficiency and profitability of scrap metal processing. These factors have attracted both domestic and international players to expand their operations in North America, fostering a competitive and innovative market environment.
The Scrap Metal Recycling Market is segmented based on Type, End-User Industry, And Geography.
Based on Type, the Global Scrap Metal Recycling Market is bifurcated into Ferrous and Non-Ferrous. In the scrap metal recycling market, the ferrous segment is the dominant category, largely due to the high volume of steel and iron scrap generated from construction, automotive, and industrial applications. However, the non-ferrous segment is the fastest-growing, driven by increasing demand for valuable metals like aluminum, copper, and nickel used in electronics, aerospace, and consumer goods. The higher value and growing applications of non-ferrous metals are fueling rapid expansion in this segment, highlighting its rising significance in the recycling industry.
Based on End-User Industry, the Global Scrap Metal Recycling Market is bifurcated into Building & Construction, Automotive, Equipment Manufacturing, Packaging, and Consumer Appliances. In the scrap metal recycling market, the building & construction sector is the dominant end-user industry, driven by its substantial demand for recycled steel and other metals used in infrastructure and construction projects. However, the automotive sector is the fastest-growing segment, propelled by the industry's increasing focus on sustainability and the use of recycled metals in manufacturing vehicle components. The rise in automotive production and the push towards more eco-friendly practices are significantly contributing to the rapid growth of scrap metal recycling within this sector.
Based on Geography, the Global Scrap Metal Recycling Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. In the scrap metal recycling market, North America is the dominant region, driven by advanced recycling infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and strong recycling practices across industries. However, the Asia Pacific region is the fastest-growing segment, fueled by rapid industrialization, increasing urbanization, and rising demand for metals in emerging economies like China and India. The expanding manufacturing sectors and growing focus on sustainability in Asia Pacific are significantly accelerating the growth of the scrap metal recycling market in this region.
The "Global Scrap Metal Recycling Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Schnitzer Steel Industries, Nucor Corporation, Metal Management Inc., Sims Metal Management, AMI Metals, European Metal Recycling, Aurubis, Remondis, Boliden, BSR Recycling, China Metallurgical Group Corporation, Jiangsu Shagang Group, Sumitomo Metal Recycling, JFE Steel Corporation, POSCO, Gerdau, Metalloinvest, ArcelorMittal and Coppel.
Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with its product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.