Oryx opens stainless steel recycling plant in Malaysia

Oryx Stainless has launched a major facility in Johor, Malaysia, boosting circular economy ambitions across southeast Asia.

The Netherlands-based recycler processes high-quality stainless steel scrap into raw materials used in more than 150 alloys. The Johor site will handle 150 000 tonnes of stainless scrap per year with minimal carbon impact.

Oryx uses smart logistics and digitised processes to deliver climate-neutral metal blends, according to chairman Michael Pawlowski. ‘Smart recycling enables new stainless steel from up to 90% recycled material.’

Green steel growth

Pawlowski says Oryx plans to double its Johor workforce by 2026 and will partner with universities to train engineers. All new employees come from the local community, trained to operate Malaysia’s first Sennebogen material handlers.

Ceo Tobias Kämmer comments: ‘This is more than a plant – it’s a long-term commitment to green growth in Asia.’

National goals

Malaysia’s investment agency Mida praised the move, linking it to national climate and green industry goals. ‘This shows how international expertise can drive local transformation,’ says Mida ceo Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim.

Each tonne of recycled output at the site avoids the equivalent of up to 8.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, Oryx points out. The site supports Malaysia’s CO₂ reduction target of 45% and a RM 300 billion (EUR 62 billion) green investment goal by 2030.