Iron, a base ferrous metal used since 1200 BCE, remains vital in construction and everyday items like cast iron pans and wrought iron gates.
While pure iron contains no added metals, it’s commonly used in alloys, especially for making steel. Most iron ore is processed into steel, but both iron and steel scrap are fully recyclable, helping conserve natural resources.
Cast iron, high in carbon, is poured into molds and hardens, while wrought iron, with lower carbon, is more malleable and shaped by heating. These two forms serve different purposes but are equally important in modern applications.
Yes, iron ore is infinitely recyclable its properties remain intact through repeated use, enabling endless reuse. Both cast and wrought iron can be melted down and recycled into new products or alloys.
Iron recycling involves sorting the scrap by metal type and purity, then crushing and shredding it for processing.
The scrap is melted at high temperatures, impurities are removed, and the molten iron is formed into bars or ingots.
These are then transported to manufacturers for reuse in new iron products or steel production. Notably, around 32% of global steel is made using recycled materials.
From skyscrapers to cars, iron is everywhere. But can this foundational industrial material truly be used again and again to build a more sustainable future?
