Creating-a-circular-economy
#1
JM is the world's largest recycler of PGMs (by volume)
Up to 98% lower
carbon footprint for recycled PGM compared to primary (mined) PGM
The platinum group metals – platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium (and osmium) – occur together on the periodic table and are generally found together in the Earth’s crust. They are industrially extremely powerful. Many of the technologies we need for modern life rely on them, from automotive sensors and catalytic converters in vehicles, to catalysts for producing pharmaceuticals and other important chemicals.
Circularity of PGMs is an essential part of the net zero transition. With limited quantities of these critical minerals available, recycling plays a crucial role in securing the metal needed to supply existing and future demand.
Innovation in PGMs
Our deep expertise and long history in PGM catalysis and performance underpins much of the innovation across JM, driving synergies within our business and strengthening our global position in our key markets.
All our PGM-containing catalysts are designed to accelerate chemical reactions using the minimum amount of these precious materials, and our R&D team are experts in reducing the intensity with which they’re used through “thrifting”. This helps save on cost but also reduces the amount of metal we need to use.
In our innovation, we also take "design for recycling" into account right from the start. We work with our customers and partners to enable greater recycling and refining of their products.
Leading in circularity
We’re the world’s largest recycler of PGMs by volume. We’re able to recover these metals from end-of-life products and manufacturing scrap so they can be used again and again. In fact, our PGM extraction and separation processes are so advanced that we can recycle platinum, for example, to a minimum purity of 99.95%.
Secondary refined (recycled) metal has up to a 98% lower carbon footprint than primary (mined) metal. Recycled metal also significantly reduces waste and energy usage compared to mining, minimising the environmental impact of global PGM value chains. This means we can reduce the carbon footprint of our products and help our customers achieve their sustainability goals.
PGMs – elements for net zero
We’re seeing increasing interest in PGMs for clean energy applications. For example, platinum and iridium are key to the hydrogen economy, in hydrogen fuel cells and electrolysers, respectively. And we’re seeing new uses for palladium in sustainable aviation fuel technology.
At JM, we have world-leading expertise in securing a sustainable supply of PGMs, through responsible sourcing and recycling. And our ability to provide metal with a lower carbon footprint is becoming increasingly important to our customers and society, as the impacts of climate change and resource scarcity become increasingly clear.
