Life cycle assessment of steel, aluminum and copper recycling in Ecuador: industrial practices and sustainability impactsdustriales e impactos en la sostenibilidads and sustainability impacts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70929/caui3.v2i2.0024Keywords:
Metal recycling, Life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy, steel, aluminum, copper, EcuadorAbstract
Metals such as steel, aluminum and copper are essential materials for modern engineering and industrial development; however, their primary production is associated with high energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural resources. In this context, metal recycling represents a strategic pathway to enhance sustainability and support circular economy principles. This study evaluates the environmental performance and industrial relevance of metal recycling in Ecuador, with a specific focus on steel, aluminum and copper. A life cycle assessment (LCA) approach was applied to compare primary and secondary metal production routes, considering energy demand and carbon dioxide emissions. Additionally, a systematic survey of major recycling companies operating in Ecuador was conducted to characterize national recycling capacity and industrial practices. The results indicate that secondary production enables energy savings of up to 64% for steel, 95% for aluminum and over 80% for copper, while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions across all materials. The analysis demonstrates that metal recycling in Ecuador not only provides substantial environmental benefits but also strengthens industrial competitiveness and resource efficiency. These findings highlight the critical role of recycling in promoting sustainable product design and advancing circular metal flows in emerging economies.
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