Each of us uses devices whose raw materials were originally extracted as rock from the depths of the earth. However, these raw materials are finite, and the extraction of new raw materials requires a high amount of energy. Modern recycling methods, on the other hand, have the potential to use only a fraction of this energy and utilize raw materials that have already been extracted and initially processed. Game changer?!
Recycling makes it possible to return products to the raw material cycle at the end of their primary life cycle. In light of increasing environmental protection requirements and in times of climate change, we are aware that the recycling process must also become more established in our products. That is why some of our products already have a recycling content of up to 90%.
To better understand the use of raw materials in our processes, it is important to know the different classifications of COFERMIN raw materials.
- Primary raw materials: From primary production
- Secondary raw materials: Recycled or reprocessed
- By-products: Products that are used in the production of other products or are generated during production
The classifications show that the use of recycled raw materials is not always possible, considering quality. Specified products often require classified primary raw materials, as recycled materials, due to their nature, cannot achieve the necessary performance levels. This is accompanied by the fact that the use of secondary raw materials is only limited in certain industries. However, this does not preclude the same raw materials from being extensively used in other areas.
A good example of the successful use of secondary raw materials is Mine Feuerfest. The company’s employees use 93% recycled materials in their production processes. In addition to Mine Feuerfest, other subsidiaries of the COFERMIN Group also rely on recycled materials, thereby contributing to a more sustainable circular economy: One example is IMagine by COFERMIN, which sells iron hydroxide made from recycled raw materials. COFERMIN Rohstoffe also relies on the integration of recycled raw materials in the production of silica fume. Silica fume is used in the construction industry to improve the quality of concrete. This shows that it is entirely possible to use high proportions of recycled raw materials without compromising the quality or performance of the products.
In addition to using recycled raw materials, at COFERMIN Raw Materials and the EEG we focus on supplying waste and by-products directly to the recycling industry, where they are reintroduced into the raw material cycle. And yes, in this way we are actively contributing to reducing the demand for primary raw materials and making the resource cycle more efficient.
