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Conveyor belts are a fundamental component of industrial processes, facilitating the seamless movement of materials within various sectors. In the pursuit of sustainability, the choice of conveyor belt material plays a pivotal role in determining the environmental impact throughout its life cycle. This article delves into the life cycle of stainless steel conveyor belts and compares them with their plastic counterparts, shedding light on the environmental implications of these essential industrial components.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are primarily composed of iron, chromium, nickel and other alloying elements. The extraction and production process involves mining raw materials, refining them and manufacturing the stainless steel alloy. Although resource intensive, stainless steel’s durability and resistance to corrosion result in a long life span, potentially spanning decades.
Plastic conveyor belts are typically made from petrochemical derived materials through processes like extrusion and moulding. The extraction and production of plastics involve the use of fossil fuels and energy intensive manufacturing processes. While plastic conveyor belts are lightweight and versatile, their comparatively shorter lifespan and disposability contribute to environmental concerns.
The durability and longevity of stainless steel conveyor belts contributes to a lower environmental impact during the extraction and production phase compared to many plastic conveyor belts.
According to a BBC report in 2021, just 16% of plastic waste is recycled to make new plastics, while 40% is sent to landfill, 25% to incineration and 19% is dumped.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are renowned for their robustness and resistance to harsh operating conditions. They excel in conveying heavy loads, high temperature environments and corrosive materials. The durability of stainless steel minimises the need for frequent replacements, leading to extended operational life.
Plastic conveyor belts are known for their versatility and suitability for various applications. However, they may not withstand extreme conditions as well as stainless steel belts and their durability can be compromised over time. In high stress environments, plastic belts may require more frequent replacements.
The resilience and extended operational life of stainless steel conveyor belts contributes to a more sustainable use phase compared to many plastic conveyor belts.
Stainless steel conveyor belts are highly recyclable and the recycling process requires less energy compared to primary production. The recycled stainless steel retains its structural integrity, reducing the demand for new raw materials and minimising waste.
End of life considerations for plastic conveyor belts pose challenges. While some plastics are recyclable, the process is often complex and energy intensive. Many plastic belts end up in landfills or incineration, contributing to environmental pollution.
The recyclability and ease of recycling for stainless steel conveyor belts contributes to a more sustainable end of life phase compared to many plastic conveyor belts.
The results from a study by Yale University: ‘Comprehensive Multilevel Cycle Of Stainless Steel In 2015’, showed that on average, 85% of stainless steels are recycled once they reach their end of life, either to become new stainless steels (56%) or a valuable iron source for carbon steels (29%). Even if stainless steel is not recycled and it does find its way to a landfill or disposal site, it will have no detrimental effect to the soil or groundwater.
In the sustainable conveyance race between stainless steel and plastic conveyor belts, stainless steel emerges as the more environmentally friendly choice. Its durability, recyclability and extended operational life make it a preferred material for industries aiming to minimise their environmental footprint. As industries continue to prioritise sustainability, the selection of conveyor belt materials becomes a crucial decision in fostering a more eco friendly and responsible approach to material handling.
When creating our conveyors and conveyor belts, we at Wire Belt naturally produce stainless steel waste, whilst they go through the various stages of the manufacturing process. Thankfully, stainless steel is infinitely recyclable, so we never have to send any of our excess stainless steel to landfill. Whilst the majority of stainless we use in our production factory is recycled stainless steel, we are significantly reducing the need to extract further raw materials from the earth. Recycled stainless steel does not suffer any degradation during the recycling process. This means that the metal retains 100% of its strength and the quality of the belts we manufacture is not affected.
The recycling process causes less pollution, saves energy and is more cost effective for manufacturers. If you are looking for a conveyor or conveyor belt, then we will be able to offer you the most recyclable and sustainable solutions on the market.
The typical material we use to manufacture our belts is stainless steel, with the standard being 1.4310 (302), although we do have other grades and specialist materials available upon request. Contact our technical sales team today for more information regarding your query.
Phone: +44 (0) 1795 421771
Email: sales@wirebelt.co.uk
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