Giving waste the boot – Crawford Boots to be recycled into green steel.
- Federal Government awards $750,000 grant to green steel project
- Crawford Boots to be recycled on Molycop mining sites
- Project between UNSW SMaRT centre, Molycop and Crawford Boots
12 October 2021: In a time where ‘being green’ is more than a catchphrase, in an industry known for its environmental impact on the opposing end of the scale, Crawford Boots are making an impact to give waste the boot on mining sites across Australia.
Announced this week, Crawford Boots are now a part of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Ltd Commercialisation Project for green steel, an initiative developed by UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre.
The project lead is Molycop, a Newcastle-based mining consumables producer and steelmaker, and will see Crawford Boots recycled into green steel at the end of their life.
Designed over seven years by podiatrist Penny Crawford, sustainability has always been front of mind for Crawford Boots. Along with being a more comfortable safety boot, they are also longer lasting than the competition, reducing costs of purchasing and waste on mine sites.
Founder and director of Crawford Boots, Penny Crawford says, “I am so proud that Crawford Boots are involved in this project with Molycop and UNSW SMaRT Centre. It is a smart and relevant project that will greatly impact reducing waste on mining sites.
“Waste is an issue in all industries, particularly mining. To be able to throw the boots along with other rubber into a dedicated recycling bin, to be made into green steel at the end of their life, will make a difference.”
This innovative technology, also known as SMaRT@UNSW Green Steel technology, provides a responsible and sustainable recycling solution for end-of-life polymer materials such as tyres, conveyors belts and other rubber products.
The technology enables the recovery and reuse of the carbon and hydrogen from end-of-life rubber products in the EAF steelmaking process and the introduction of this technology simultaneously.
About Crawford Boots:
Built on 25 YEARS of experience working with Australia’s underground miner’s feet, Crawford Boots are designed to survive the demanding environment of Australian underground mines. They are ready to take on any wet area worksite in the world.
Combining the comfort and support of a leather work boot and the practicality of a gumboot, Crawford Boots are the most comfortable rubber boot option on the market. Our boots reduce injury and fatigue and are made of high-quality materials to outlast competitors.