Future Technologies Increasing Dependence on Recycled Metal

We're standing at a critical juncture for our global supply chain. On one hand, the future of technology, from advanced batteries to electric vehicles, demands an ever-increasing supply of diverse metals. Yet, the metal industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with some estimates suggesting it accounts for a staggering 20% of all global emissions. This creates a powerful contradiction as governments, organisations, and corporations worldwide—including Ireland with its commitment to net-zero by 2050—set ambitious decarbonisation targets. So, how do we reconcile the growing need for high-emission metals with the urgent push for net-zero? A crucial part of the answer lies in vastly improving our access to and use of scrap and recycled metal.

Copper’s Vital Importance to Future Technologies

Of all the metals associated with future technologies, copper may be one of the most important. Copper is used in just about every device, and this demand will only grow as we approach the date for net-zero emissions. In fact, due to this increasing demand, there is evidence to suggest that we may soon be looking at a global copper shortage. The solution to this is increasing copper recycling. In particular, it will increase copper recycling from old or broken devices. E-waste is an increasing problem, but may also represent an opportunity, as there is an abundance of copper that could be harvested from e-waste. This has the effect of strengthening the world’s copper supply chain, hopefully offsetting any possible future shortages, and of course, recycling is good for the environment and will assist with hitting these net-zero figures.

Challeneges to Ireland and the Globe

While supply chain issues differ by region, in many cases, issues that face Ireland also affect the world. As our economy is very much plugged into global trade, our ability to adjust to today’s possible problems and issues of the future while still reaching net-zero gas emissions could be an example to the world. While the government has its part to play, private industries and businesses are also responsible here. That’s why we here at Oran Metal Group have been constantly striving to upgrade all our locations with the latest metal recycling equipment while offering our clients the most competitive scrap metal prices.

Contact any of our scrap yards today to discuss these prices or metal recycling processes.