使用可再生能源和提高效率只能实现所需的部分温室气体减排目标。循环利用也是其中的一个重要因素。而这正是金属的优势所在，因为金属的特性非常适合可持续循环经济。
循环经济是指一种旨在避免浪费和持续利用资源的可持续经济模式。它涉及材料和产品的再利用、共享、维修、翻新和回收，以建立一个闭环系统，减少资源消耗，最大限度地减少废物、污染和碳排放的产生。金属特别适合循环经济，因为它们非常耐用，理论上可以无限次循环利用，而不会影响其质量。回收利用间接避免了矿石开采、加工和运输以及初级金属生产过程中的排放，同时提高了稀有元素的供应，特别是在原材料匮乏的地区。
Our contribution to the circular economy is based on a "6R"-philosophy
Reduce
Reducing the use of resources or utilities is integral to our everyday work with the goal of maximizing efficiency and providing customers with a competitive advantage. This implies that the footprint of our equipment remains as small as possible without compromising functionality.
Repair
Reconditioning used equipment to its original state is a core competency of our service domain. Our global service workshops specialize in repairing components and restoring them to full functionality. In some cases, a repair can even increase the performance of a component.
Reuse
Reusing or repurposing equipment after its first lifecycle is crucial. This can apply to entire plants (e.g., relocating to a new site) or individual components. A notable example is the reuse of refurbished copper molds.
Redesign
To meet changing market demands, we offer revamps and modernizations, ranging from quick-win tuning packages to comprehensive plant overhauls. These can involve upgrading and adding new equipment, modernizing automation systems, or implementing digital tools.
Recycle
Over 4,000 types of metal-bearing materials are available for recycling, including complex materials such as electronic waste, batteries, slags, or minerals. SMS strives to make recycling as efficient as possible and to extend the range of materials that can be recovered.
Recover
In a circular economy, even wastes should be viewed as resources. Treatment costs and the potential value created determine the economic viability of this approach. A classic example of recovery is blast furnace slag, used as a by-product in the cement industry.
