153 Copper Copper is increasingly scarce and requires significant quantities of ore to produce. According to the Copper Development Association, “Copper’s superior thermal and electrical conductivity, combined with its 100 per cent recyclability make copper a truly green material perfect for building a sustainable world.” Nickel “Nickel is an element. It cannot be created nor destroyed. Its attributes – corrosion resistance, high-temperature stability, strength, ductility, toughness, recyclability, as well as catalytic and electromagnetic properties, help achieve sustainability,” says the Nickel Institute, adding: “Responsible and sustainable production practices are a priority for Nickel Institute member companies.” Steel The World Steel Association says, “Steel is completely recyclable, possesses great durability and, compared to other materials, requires relatively low amounts of energy to produce. Innovative lightweight steels (such as those used in in automobiles and buildings) help to save energy and resources. Producing one tonne of steel today requires just 40 per cent of the energy it did in 1960. Dust emissions have been reduced by even more.” Stainless steel The International Stainless Steel Forum says, “The emission footprints of the material, especially those related to carbon, water and air, are minimised. Reuse and recyclability are at high levels. The material has low maintenance costs and a long life. As stainless steel has a high intrinsic value, it is collected and recycled without any economic incentives.” However, as an alloy containing chromium, nickel and magnesium, stainless steel does carry sustainability risks. Tin According to the International Tin Association, “Tin as a metal is fortunate to have no proven toxic effects in either man or the environment, and in being a metal that is widely recycled in alloys and re-refined metal products.” The association cites artisanal and small-scale mining, mining regions, sustainable production and recycling as the key focus areas for responsible production. “ Steel is completely recyclable, possesses great durability and, compared to other materials, requires relatively low amounts of energy to produce” World Steel Association
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