When you think about building a sustainable future, what comes to your mind. When we think of building anything here at ABC Seamless Siding, it is only natural that we would think of steel. We know steel is originally made from the 4th most common element in the Earth’s crust, and that is iron. Being one of the world’s most innovative and essential materials, steel is an alloy of iron and carbon; containing less than 2% carbon and 1% manganese and small amounts of silicone, phosphorus, sulphur and oxygen.
History of Steel
An archaeological find in Cyprus indicates that craftsmen were producing quench-hardened steel knives as early as the 11th century BC. Steel is produced in every region of the world; generating jobs and stimulating economic growth. Currently, in the 21st century, there are more than 3,500 different grades of steel and over 75% of those steel grades did not exist even 20 years ago.
Promoting the reuse of resources by recycling and creating zero waste; the steel industry is an integral part of our circular economy. The steel industry employs over 6.1 million people; that is equivalent to the entire population for the state of Missouri. In addition, the steel industry facilitates more that 49.3 million jobs in the customer sectors around that world; that would be a position for every person that resides in Spain.
According to worldsteel.org; the housing and construction sector is the largest consumer of steel today, using more than 50% of the steel produced. As the world’s supreme engineering and construction material, steel can be found in every sector of our everyday lives; from buildings to vehicles, appliances to furniture, even screwdrivers to scalpels.
Most Recycled Material
When liquid iron is converted into steel it can reach temperatures of up to 1,700oC; that is significantly hotter than volcanic lava. But yet steel requires relatively low amounts of energy for its production. However, today’s new steel products contain an average of 30% recycled steel; and will eventually become the cans, trains, bridges, or buildings of tomorrow.
With steel as the most commonly used metal in the world, it also helps protect our Mother Earth as the most recycled material on the planet. In North America alone, we recycle around 80 million tons of steel each year; that is more than all the paper, plastic, aluminum and glass recycled each year combined.
As countries across the globe continue grow and different cultures seek ways to improve on the standards in which they live; It only stands to reason that the future demand for steel will also grow right along with it. As manufacturers and builders continue to seek out stronger and lighter materials to work with; new generations of steel to be developed thanks to its unique blend of durability, flexibility, and versatility.
Our future success in overcoming the issues of the world of climate change, population increases, bouts of poverty, clean water for everyone, and lower carbon emissions depend greatly on the applications of steel. While the production of steel continues to use technology that was derived from the mid-1850s, yet all types of steel can be recycled back into new steel of various grades, keeping their inherent material properties and often stronger than they were originally created.
A Sustainable Future with ABC Seamless Siding Products
So now when you think of building a sustainable future and leaving the world a better place than it was when you first discovered it, think of steel. More importantly think of ABC Siding and our long list of steel products. If you have a home project coming up, now is the time to call and speak with one of our industry leading experts. We offer free in-home consultations that fit around your schedule and your budget.
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