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Phoenix Recycling Group: The bright future of New Zealand’s circular economy

Phoenix Recycling Group is reshaping how we think about resources. By processing metal scrap into vital resources for sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy, it’s driving change and supporting a resilient future.

6 minute read

Sustainability from scrap

Every year, billions of tonnes of resources are consumed worldwide, yet less than 8% of them are recycled. As demand for raw materials continues to grow, especially with the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, the importance of recycling has never been greater. By 2050, over half of the demand for critical materials like cobalt, lithium, and nickel could be met by recycled materials, creating a major opportunity for industries to reduce reliance on virgin resources.

Phoenix Recycling is playing a key role in this global shift. Through its nationwide operations, the company is closing the loop in the circular economy, transforming discarded metals like copper, steel, and brass into valuable resources that power everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy infrastructure. An astonishing 98% of everything they accumulate is recycled.

Powering progress

Phoenix’s partnership with BNZ has been instrumental in scaling its operations and advancing its sustainability initiatives. By taking the time to understand Phoenix's vision and goals, BNZ was able to develop tailored strategies to support the company’s growth. This included advising on mergers and acquisitions, as well as providing finance to support the electrification of Phoenix’s operations to help reduce emissions.

With this support from BNZ, Phoenix has expanded from 6 to 19 sites across the country and is investing in cutting-edge, electrified machinery to reduce emissions and boost operational efficiency. These include electric material handlers, balers, and trials of electric heavy goods vehicles to further reduce fleet emissions.

By turning metal scrap into new products used in critical sectors like renewable energy and electric vehicle production, Phoenix is not only contributing to the circular economy but also helping New Zealand move toward a low-emissions future.

Leading the charge

Phoenix’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond operations. With thousands of metal collection bins nationwide, they are actively helping industries like construction, manufacturing, auto and energy recycle their materials and reintroduce them into the supply chain.

This keeps valuable metals like copper in circulation, reducing the need for further mining and helping to reduce overall emissions.

Phoenix is also leading the way in recycling electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries, which can recover over 90% of key materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese. These materials are crucial for powering clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles, making Phoenix’s work integral to New Zealand’s future clean energy transition.

A thriving industry

As New Zealand pushes forward with its commitment to reduce emissions, Phoenix Recycling’s role in the circular economy will only grow. The demand for recycled metals and materials will continue to rise, and Phoenix is well positioned to meet this demand through innovation, investment in electrification, and a relentless commitment to sustainability.

Inspiring change

Phoenix Recycling’s vision is clear - to be the engine driving New Zealand’s circular economy and set an example for other businesses to follow. By embracing sustainability, innovation, and electrification, Phoenix is proving that it’s possible to build a profitable, sustainable business that benefits the planet.

With the support of BNZ, Phoenix is not only meeting the recycling needs of today but actively shaping the future of New Zealand’s circular economy.

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