ENVIRONMENT

Sustainability Analysis Study

People

The TBI stainless steel double seals press fit piping system, in its use or in its production process, respects the human being, especially in terms of health and safety. The system is fully made of sustainable materials do not harm the people working to produce it, or the people who handle it during its use, recycling and ultimate disposal.

As long as the correct grade of stainless is selected for an application, the steel remains inert and harmless to the people who handle it and the environment. These characteristics have made stainless steel the primary material in medical, food processing, household and catering applications.

Planet

The emission footprints of the material, especially those related to carbon, water and air, are minimised. Reuse and recyclability are at high levels. The material has low maintenance costs and a long life, both key indicators that the impact of the material on the planet is at the lowest levels possible.

The electric arc furnace (EAF), the main process used to make stainless steels, is extremely efficient. An EAF has a low impact on the environment in terms of both CO2 and other emissions. The EAF is also extremely efficient at processing scrap stainless, ensuring that new stainless steel has an average recycled content of more than 60%. Stainless steels are easily recycled to produce more stainless steels and this process can be carried on indefinitely. It is estimated that about 80% of stainless steels are recycled at the end of their life. As stainless steel has a high intrinsic value, it is collected and recycled without any economic incentives from the public purse.

Profit

Stainless steels have better mechanical properties than most metals eg. copper. Its fire and corrosion resistance make stainless a good choice in building or public works. These properties, together with stainless steels’ mechanical behaviour, are of prime importance in these applications to ensure human beings are protected and maintenance costs are kept low. Stainless also has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, making it the material of choice in demanding architectural and design projects.

Taking into account its recyclability, reuse, long life, low maintenance and product safety, the emissions from the production and use of stainless steels are minimal when compared to any other alternative material. A detailed and precise analysis of the sustainability of stainless steel makes the choice of stainless a logical one. This might explain why, as society and governments are becoming more conscious of environmental and economic factors, the growth in the use of stainless steel has been the highest of any material in the world.

The extensive development of stainless steel in the food industry is explained by the fact that it corresponds exactly to the requirements expected of materials in contact with food and drinking liquid. Other factors also contribute towards making stainless steel the preferred material for the entire food processing industry. These include its mechanical characteristics, expansion coefficient, thermal conductivity and ease of use.

Chemical and Biological Neutrality

A number of studies have found that stainless has no adverse affects on human health, despite its wide and lengthy use in fields such as drinking water, food, health and human hygiene. Stainless steel is a stable homogeneous alloy composed principally of iron, chromium (13 to 30%) and nickel (0 to 25%).

Cleaning and disinfection

Cleaning can be carried out easily for elimination of both visible and invisible contamination that adheres to the external surface of stainless steel pipes. Full bacteriological cleanliness is also attainable after internal surfaces are disinfected to a level that is compatible with satisfactory hygiene practice and prevents contamination of water.

Durability and Corrosion Resistance

Stainless steels’exceptional resistance to corrosion of has enabled the dairy industry to develop widely and rapidly. Stainless behaves quite neutrally and does not alter the taste of water. Unlike carbon steels, stainless steels have a natural resistance to corrosion. Due to the use of chromium as an alloying element, stainless steels form a resilient, self-repairing oxide layer, which protects the metal beneath from corrosion. This layer is thin and transparent, enhancing the natural appearance of the metal. This also means that the material can be exposed to the elements without the need for other coatings being applied.

In addition to these aspects, stainless steel is a sustainable material in the environmental sense of the word; it is normally made with 60% recycled content, which provides savings in the form of lower energy costs and reduced CO₂ emissions within the manufacturing process.