The UK’s leading steel producers and metal recyclers – including S. Norton – have joined forces to urge government action to strengthen the domestic steel recycling sector.
Circular Steel: Strengthening the UK’s Industrial Supply Chain, is a report that highlights the opportunities to drive processing standards in steel scrap and ensure a sustainable and competitive future for UK metal recovery and recycling and electric arc furnace steel production.
Currently, the UK exports over 80% of the 10 million tonnes of steel scrap it produces annually, with much of that returning to the UK as finished goods, undercutting domestic manufacturers. The report cautions that without policy and market reform, the UK risks outsourcing jobs and emissions while missing the opportunity to build a thriving, circular, low-carbon steel value chain.
The report outlines key recommendations, including:
- Investing in domestic steel scrap processing infrastructure to meet Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) standards.
- Aligning fiscal, environmental and energy policies to create a thriving market.
- Establishing national definitions and quality standards for steel scrap.
- Modernising regulatory oversight and licensing.
- Supporting recyclers through energy cost reductions
About the Circular Steel Sub-Committee
Formed in September 2025 under UK Steel, the Sub-Committee brings together steel producers, recyclers and experts to develop practical policy proposals supporting a sustainable, circular steel economy.
