LONDON: All member companies of the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) have given an undertaking to manufacture all their products exclusively from recycled material, with immediate effect.
With over 95% of products already produced from recycled metal, the lead sheet manufacturers are setting a benchmark.
"Making this final commitment to recycling confirms our responsible support for Copenhagen objectives," said Frank Koehler, the communications director of ELSIA.
"We hope that industry professionals and the public will take note of both this undertaking and the achievement that it represents"
For many years, ELSIA lead sheet producers prioritised scrap and secondary lead for their raw material purchases. Now, they are guaranteeing a 'closed loop' cycle.
Due to lead's low melting point of 327°C, the cost of recycling is low. The energy consumed in producing secondary lead is up to 90% less than in the production of primary lead from ore. The use of secondary lead has eliminated the need for the transportation of lead ores from producing countries such as China, Australia or Canada, making a further contribution to climate protection. In addition, natural ore deposits are spared and preserved for future generations.
