Green magnets – choice of material & environmental impact

Published: 2026-02-19 10:01:45 • Daniel Gårdefelt

Choosing the right magnet for your production line or application is a complex but important decision. As we have discussed previously, different magnets have different properties, and different projects have different requirements. In addition to project-specific requirements, it is also important today to protect the environment and consider the impact of our active choices.

Magnets, like many other raw materials we extract from mines, have an impact on the environment. The extraction process involved in most magnetic materials is difficult to avoid, but there are several choices along the way that have an impact on the environment.

In the manufacturing stage, certain processing methods can involve fewer chemicals, and less energy consumption. A lot is happening in this area. HYAB Magneter works closely with our suppliers to develop magnets using more sustainable processing methods, something that may be commercialized in the coming years.

As a customer, there are several active choices that reduce the negative environmental impact:

1. Choose the type of magnet that meets your requirements without oversizing the magnet's strength – relatively often, a weaker, more environmentally friendly alternative (such as Ferrite) is sufficient.

2. Choose durable magnets and/or surface treatments that extend the life of the magnet.

3. Recycle your magnets (and other materials). We have discussed how to do this in a previous article.

Are you interested in learning more about upcoming environmentally friendly magnet options or which material choice is best for you? Contact us at +46 8 26 10 80 or [email protected] and we will tell you more.