Research and development to enable the conversion of low quality scrap into high quality steel in the UK

Converting steel scrap with varying quality to high quality steel and minimising virgin materials-based steel production is an indispensable approach to a circular steel economy and a practical pathway to achieve net zero emissions for the steel industry. This article briefly introduces the research and development undertaken by the present authors to increase the scrap utilisation in the UK steel production. This includes a state-of-the-art analysis on the UK steel scrap supply and utilisation; current scrap supply chain practice and circular scrap supply chain design; fundamental understanding and technology development to improve scrap quality, remove impurities and increase residual tolerance in steel; and opportunities and challenges identified for increasing scrap utilisation in the UK steel industry.