As the world grapples with the challenge of mitigating the effects of climate change, recycling and reusing metals have emerged as crucial strategies for preserving our planet’s resources and reducing waste. Beyond the inherent environmental benefits, recycled metals are also crucial for producing technologies such as wind turbines, solar panels, and electric vehicles, which are vital components in decarbonizing the global economy.

North American company Schnitzer Steel, is one of the pioneers leading the charge toward a more sustainable future. The company stands as one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of recycled ferrous and nonferrous metal products, and its commitment to achieving sustainable growth has been steadfast since its inception in 1906 Portland, Oregon.

“Our work results in millions of tons of materials staying off the streets and landfills and staying out of streams and rivers. It takes determination, innovation, resources and also perspiration and perseverance to create this continuous cycle of recovery, reuse, and recycling.”

– Chairman and CEO of Schnitzer Steel, Tamara Lundgren.

Today, Schnitzer has an extensive network of operating facilities spread across twenty-five states, Puerto Rico, and Western Canada, including 7 metal shredding operations, 54 metals recycling facilities, 50 auto recycling and recovery retail stores, and a steel manufacturing operation, boasting seven deep water export facilities located on both the East and West Coasts, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.The company’s integrated operating platform  advances a circular economy with regionally-based hub and spoke models that enable efficient logistics and transportation of materials throughout its network.

With the demand for critical metals rising, Schnitzer has invested in advanced metals recovery technologies that allow the company to extract more from its shredding activities and improve the efficiency of its processes to meet the high standards of metal content and quality. This allows for enhanced product optionality and results in furnace-ready materials that can be distributed globally. 

Schnitzer’s capacity to balance its objectives of promoting sustainability and profitability, while ensuring growth, is a unique and distinguishing characteristic that has enabled the company to recycle at scale and has resulted in its recognition by Corporate Knights as the world’s most sustainable company.

For 117 years, the company has been a leading force in sustainability, taking what would otherwise be waste and turning it into valuable, new recycled products critical to our lives and the world around us. Its efforts demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and underscore the role of recycled metals in creating a sustainable future for generations to come.