Skrapmaterialet

Skrapmaterialet is a Swedish term referring to residual material generated by industrial processes that is suitable for recovery and recycling. It encompasses a range of waste streams produced by metalworking, manufacturing, and processing operations, including metal shavings and chips, offcuts from sheet and formed parts, rejected components, and, in some cases, contaminated packaging or process residues. The majority of skrapmaterialet is metal, but certain industries also generate plastics, rubber, wood, and other recyclable materials.

Scrap is typically collected by dedicated scrap yards or internal material-handling systems. It is sorted by material type and quality, cleaned to remove lubricants, coolants, and surface contaminants, and then baled or compacted for transport. Primary processing often involves melting or refining in foundries or re-smelting facilities, where the material becomes feedstock for new metal products. Non-metal scraps may be reprocessed through mechanical recycling or energy recovery streams.

The handling of skrapmaterialet is a key component of the circular economy, enabling significant energy savings and reduced demand for virgin ore. Market prices for scrap metals are influenced by global demand, alloy content, and currency fluctuations. Proper management also minimizes environmental risks, including dust, oil and coolant leakage, and fire hazards, and is governed by national waste and environmental regulations.

See also: metal recycling, circular economy, scrap yard.