Study: Stainless steel circular economy significantly reduces the risk of climate change in Thailand

C02 Savings through Stainless Steel Recycling in Thailand

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Emphasis:

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Increased recycling of stainless steel can make a noticeable contribution to mitigating climate change in Thailand and globally. This is the key finding of a recent joint study conducted by prestigious Thai and German scientists on behalf of Oryx Stainless (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The study, coordinated by the Fraunhofer Center for International Management and Knowledge Economy IMW from Leipzig, Germany with the support of the German Embassy, examined the social welfare benefits of recycling stainless steel in Thailand.

The scientific analysis, carried out by Fraunhofer UMSICHT using the recycling processes at Oryx Stainless in Thailand as an example, revealed that for every ton of stainless steel scrap used to produce new stainless steel, 6.71 tons of CO2 are saved compared to the use of primary raw materials. Based on the stainless steel scrap handled by Oryx Stainless in Thailand in the reference year of the study (2021), the scientists calculated CO2 savings of 556,000 tons. This is equivalent to the annual CO2 footprint of the inhabitants of the Muang Chachoengsao district, which is close to the Thai location of Oryx Stainless, or 1.45 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions from all industrial processes in the country.

The study highlights the potential for Thailand and the climate, as the entire Oryx Stainless Group saved almost 3.6 million tons of CO2 in the reference year. These findings demonstrate the significant role that stainless steel recycling can play in achieving SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Key Points:

1. C02 savings correspond to the annual CO2 footprint of almost the inhabitants of the Muang Chachoengsao district
2. Thailand particularly affected by climate change: 9th place in the global long-term climate change risk index
3. Policymakers should create good framework conditions for a professional circular economy and thus climate protection

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article discusses the potential for increased recycling of stainless steel to mitigate climate change, which aligns with the goal of promoting clean energy sources.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article emphasizes the importance of a circular economy and recycling processes to reduce CO2 emissions, contributing to sustainable consumption and production patterns.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the CO2 savings achieved through stainless steel recycling, indicating a direct connection to climate change mitigation efforts.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix – The article suggests that increased recycling of stainless steel can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, which indirectly supports the transition to renewable energy sources.
• SDG 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse – The article highlights the benefits of recycling stainless steel, indicating a focus on waste reduction and recycling as a means of responsible consumption and production.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning – The article emphasizes the need for policymakers to create favorable conditions for a professional circular economy and climate protection, indicating a target related to policy integration for climate action.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator: CO2 savings per ton of stainless steel scrap used – The article states that for every ton of stainless steel scrap used to produce new stainless steel, 6.71 tons of CO2 are saved compared to the use of primary raw materials. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the targets of reducing waste generation and promoting responsible consumption and production.
• Indicator: Total CO2 savings from stainless steel recycling – The article mentions that based on the stainless steel scrap handled by Oryx Stainless in Thailand in the reference year, the scientists calculate CO2 savings of 556,000 tons. This indicator can be used to measure progress towards the target of integrating climate change measures into national policies and planning.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: galvnews.com

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