An innovative material made of scrapped carbides.
Introducing ReCarbide
Sandvik ReCarbide is a circular, premium quality material made entirely of recycled carbide inserts. ReCarbide reduces CO₂e emissions by 70% compared to using virgin raw materials extracted from mined ore.
Mined in the loop
Using circular materials from our own carbide recycling program enables a robust, secure and controlled supply chain. This leads to more efficient use of critical materials and reduces our dependencies on virgin tungsten and cobalt from external sources.
ReCarbide supports a circular approach by giving valuable materials a second life.
Krystof Turba
Principal R&D Professional
Sandvik Rock Tools
Reducing CO₂e emissions by 70%
By recovering tungsten carbide directly from used drill bits - instead of mining and refining new ore which contains less than 0.5% tungsten - ReCarbide eliminates the need for energy intensive mining, ore transport, and chemical processing. This streamlined, circular approach results in 70% lower CO₂e emissions compared to producing tungsten carbide from virgin ore, while maintaining the same high quality.
References: Furberg, EcoInvent 3.11, Cobalt Institute, Sandvik private data
More innovation, less emissions
Using high-quality recycled material in our cemented carbides reduces the need for mined, virgin raw materials extracted from ore. Since the recycling process consumes significantly less fossil energy than mining, it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Upgrading the toughest material in the business
The material we use to make our high performance PowerCarbide® drill bits has now been upgraded to contain 75% ReCarbide. With only a minimum of virgin materials used, each drill bit delivers the same or higher drilling performance while having a much lower climate impact.
Questions and answers about ReCarbide
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What is ReCarbide and how does the recycling process work?
ReCarbide is a circular, premium quality material made entirely of recycled carbide inserts. Sandvik uses a refined zinc based process to extract and purify high quality recycled carbide - ReCarbide - which is then used to manufacture new tools. This reduces the need for newly mined tungsten in premium quality tools.
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How much CO₂e can I save by choosing drill bits made with ReCarbide?
Drill bits made with ReCarbide can reduce CO₂e emissions by up to 70% compared to those made from virgin tungsten, based on verfiied life cycle analysis. This reduction comes mainly from avoiding mining and chemical extraction steps. Actual savings may vary depending on the recycled content and local conditions.
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What are the environmental benefits of using recycled tungsten carbide?
Using recycled tungsten carbide helps conserve natural resources, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce waste. The ReCarbide process uses electric energy and avoids certain hazardous chemicals used in other recycling processes. These improvements are focused on the production phase and are verified by internal and external studies.
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Does ReCarbide affect the performance of Sandvik drill bits?
No, drill bits made with high content ReCarbide are tested to meet the same standards for wear resistance, strength, and reliability as those made from virgin raw materials. Laboratory and field results confirm that performance is maintained. You get high-quality, durable tools with verified recycled content.
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How does ReCarbide contribute to circularity in the mining industry?
ReCarbide enables valuable materials to be reused, reducing the need for new raw materials within the tungsten carbide supply chain. This supports a more circular approach and helps decrease waste. Sandvik's recycling initiatives are part of broader efforts to improve resource efficiency in mining.
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What types of used drill bits and carbide tools can be recycled?
Most Sandvik top hammer, down the hole, and rotary drill bits, as well as other carbide tools, are eligible for recycling in the Sandvik Carbide Recycling Program. Your Sandvik Sales & Service contact can confirm whether your specific tools can be included. Proper sorting and collection are required for efficient recycling.
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Can I get certification or documentation for recycled drill bits?
Yes, Sandvik provides certificates and documentation verifying recycled content and estimated CO₂e savings for recycled drill bits. This allows you to track and communicate your sustainability efforts. Certificates are based on traceable production data.
