PGMs are valuable due to their unique properties and rarity. Because of this, recycling (also known as secondary supplies) is critical to conserve these precious resources and meet market demand. Depending on the application, most PGMs are recoverable through the product lifecycle. Once recycled, secondary PGM has exactly the same properties as primary PGM, so most of the PGM mined to date is still either in use or in a useable form. PGMs are reused in two ways:
Open-loop recycling
The original purchaser of the metal does not retain control of the PGM, so the metal is available to the market once recovered. It contributes to market supply and helps bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Closed-loop recycling
Metal is retained within the same application by the same owner. For example, PGM recycled from spent chemical catalyst used make fresh catalyst to replace it. Because the net amount of metal in use has not changed, the ‘returned’ metal does not count as market supply, but it reduces the need for fresh metal to be purchased and therefore makes demand more sustainable.
Open loop recycling
The original purchaser of the metal does not retain control of the PGM, so the metal is available to the market once recovered. It contributes to market supply and helps bridge the gap between supply and demand.
Closed loop recycling
Metal is retained within the same application by the same owner. For example, PGM recycled from used chemical catalyst used make fresh catalyst to replace it. Because the net amount of metal in use has not changed, the ‘returned’ metal does not count as market supply, but it reduces the need for fresh metal to be purchased and therefore makes demand more sustainable.
PGM primary and secondary supply 2021
Recycling and refining
Learn more about Johnson Matthey's recycling capabilities
