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Why Stainless Steel Shines in a Sustainable World

July 21, 2025

We all know that sustainability is no longer just a hot topic, it’s a necessity. At West Special Fasteners we believe building a more sustainable future doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel. Its’s about recognising the materials we already rely on to support our everyday lives and that have been doing the job sustainably all along. Stainless steel is one of those materials. Proven, reliable and with a lot more to offer when it comes to performance and environmental responsibility.

So What is Stainless Steel? 

Also known as corrosion-resistant steel or rustless steel, stainless steel is an iron-based alloy that contains at least 10.5% Chromium which gives it its signature resistance to rust and corrosion.

The story of stainless steel actually begins just up the road from us in Sheffield, where it was first developed in 1913. Since then, Sheffield has become world-famous for its steelmaking heritage. Put simply, stainless steel is like regular steel’s tougher, shinier cousin, built to handle whatever life throws at it, and still look good doing it.

Why We Use It at West Special Fasteners

At West Special Fasteners, we know stainless steel isn’t just strong, it’s a smart sustainable choice. In theory its endlessly reusable, retaining its quality no matter how many times it’s recycled. That’s why we choose stainless steel for our high-performance fasteners, engineered to last, perform under pressure, and support a more sustainable future.

Recycling stainless steel is more than good practice, it’s a responsibility. It helps conserve vital resources, reduces energy consumption, and cuts down on pollution and landfill waste. Choosing recycled stainless steel reduces the need for mining new ores and helps protect the environment.

Built to Last – And Then Last Again

Our products are designed with longevity in mind. Often, it’s not wear and tear that retires a stainless steel component, it’s simply that the design has changed or a newer model has taken its place. But even then, the materials live on. The elements in stainless steel can be separated and reused, keeping valuable resources in circulation.

On average, Stainless steel contains about 44% recycled content globally though in Europe and the US that figure can reach up to 70%. Plus, because its safe to produce and safe to use, stainless steel remains a responsible choice from start to finish.

More Than Just Fasteners

Stainless steel plays a vital role in everyday life, and not just in engineering. It’s the primary material used in industries where hygiene, durability, and safety are non-negotiable, like medical, food processing, household, and catering.

You’ll find it in cookware, sinks, surgical instruments and taps, stainless steel is everywhere. But it doesn’t stop there. You’ll also find it in places you might not expect, surgical implants, temporary dental crowns, jewellery, and even in fashion, where innovative designers are embracing stainless steel as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

At West Special Fasteners, we’re proud to work with a material that’s as versatile as it is reliable.

If your looking for bespoke stainless steel fasteners contact us here Contact West Special Fasteners

Click here if you want to learn more about Stainless Steel British Stainless Steel Association