Sims Metal Management announced the launch of new global division, Sims Resource Renewal (SRR), which has been created to process more than 1mn mt per annum of shredded by-products traditionally destined for landfill, according to statement released to the Australian Stock Exchange.
The company’s programme intends to transform automotive shredder residue (ARS), the waste generated from the recycling of metal-based goods, into new, “quality” products, such as construction materials, electricity, and recycled plastics.
SRR aims to build eleven resource renewal facilities globally as part of its 2030 vision, with the first “environmentally-friendly state-of-the art” $50mn facility proposed for Campbellfield, Victoria, Australia.
According to group chief technology officer, SRR will employ a process called plasma gasification which uses high temperatures in a controlled manner to break down the ASR into its basic compounds – producing synthesis gas and a glass like product – but does not incinerate the ASR.
The company has selected InEnTec as its technology partner for the first resource renewal facility. Construction of the Campbellfield site is expected to commence in late 2021, with the facility operational by late 2022 – subject to necessary environmental and planning permissions.