Aussie Metal Recyclers Innovate with Sustainable Technology

Introduction to Sell & Parker’s Operations
Sell & Parker, a prominent name in Australian scrap metal recovery and recycling, is stepping up its commitment to sustainability and efficiency. The family-run business, established in 1966, processes a wide variety of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ranging from small backyard clean-ups to large-scale operations involving thousands of tonnes of scrap.

Leadership and Legacy
Luke Parker, CEO of the Sell & Parker Group, emphasizes the company’s strong family roots, having joined the business after earning advanced degrees in Commerce and Law. Together with his brother and brother-in-law, he continues to lead the company, focusing on delivering quality end-products from diverse metal sources.

Technological Advancements in Metal Processing
Sell & Parker has collaborated with STEINERT, a leading provider of material processing solutions, to enhance its scrap metal processing capabilities. Initially utilizing traditional magnetic separation, the company has now integrated advanced sensor sorting technologies, including the STEINERT KSS (combination sensor sorter), to meet the increasing demand for recyclable metal products.

Reliability and Long-term Partnership
Parker highlights the importance of reliability and customer service in their partnership with STEINERT. The decision to choose STEINERT was based on recommendations, and over time, the equipment has proven dependable, prompting Sell & Parker to replace nearly all other suppliers with STEINERT systems. The long-standing relationship has fostered trust, with STEINERT providing crucial support and advice.

Operational Scale and Challenges
Sell & Parker operates across eight large yards throughout Australia, handling various types of scrap, including post-consumer materials. With the market facing an oversupply of processing capacity, efficiency in operations has become vital. Parker underscores the necessity for disciplined production lines to navigate the competitive landscape effectively.

Consistency in Performance
The STEINERT sorting systems have significantly improved operational efficiency, allowing Sell & Parker to achieve reliable, consistent results. Many of their machines, including Eddy Current Separators, have operated for over 100,000 hours, highlighting the durability and low maintenance of STEINERT equipment.

Sustainability and the Circular Economy
Parker emphasizes the crucial role of metal recycling in promoting sustainability. He notes that the industry has long been at the forefront of resource recovery, contributing to the broader recycling ecosystem. Sell & Parker focuses on capturing value from the post-shredder stream and enhancing product quality through ongoing improvements and innovations.

Looking Ahead
With a workforce of over 400 employees, Sell & Parker aims for continued success and sustainability in the metals recycling market.

Parker plans to leverage STEINERT’s technology to further enhance operations and product quality, ensuring prosperity for the company and its stakeholders.

Conclusion
Johan van Zyl, Managing Director for STEINERT Australia, reiterates the commitment to customer satisfaction and the importance of collaboration in advancing recycling technologies. Together, they aim to create more efficient processing lines that contribute to a sustainable future for the recycling industry.