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The UK's largest exclusive auto catalyst recycler

+44 (0)1793 828283

info@platinumrecoveries.com

Pricing

Depending on the supply, the demand and speculation on the metals market, the price of platinum (pt), palladium (pd) and rhodium (rh) fluctuate. These fluctuations, as well as the tightening of emission legislation, have had a direct correlation on the composition of the catalysts, which themselves have had a strong influence on the demand.

The average concentration and the ratio of Pt, Pd and Rh were more or less constant 20 years ago so a simple weighting was sufficient to arrive at a good estimation of the precious metal content. Nowadays, the composition, which depends on the cubic capacity of the engine and the type of fuel used, varies dramatically. The formulation can consist of only Pt, or various ratios of Pt-Pd-Rh, Pt-Rh, and Pd-Rh. Further, the amounts of recoverable Pt, Pd, and Rh in each scrap converter range from under 1 gram up to 6 or more grams.

With literally thousands of automotive catalytic converter models on the market, determining an exact price for a given scrap converter is an extremely difficult task. Even experienced collectors struggle to accurately or appropriately value auto-cats. That’s why PRL continuously invest in its assay laboratory to build an accurate database of thousands of converters and their corresponding platinum group metal content. This vital information is used by our experienced buyers to grade appropriately and to assist our customers to buy or sell their converters profitably.

Everyone in the industry will claim to offer the best prices, but how does a customer make sense of the various price lists and offers in the market. The simple answer is they should not even attempt to, because the total price offered will depend on how a buyer graded each catalytic converter. Would you know the difference between a medium and medium large, or medium large plus?

Other factors need to be considered as well, such as the general condition of the catalytic converter. For example, is the unit complete or has the ceramic broken up and fallen out? Is it an original equipment unit or an after-market equivalent? Also, the prevailing PGM price on the date of purchase/sale will affect the price paid.

Building long term, mutually beneficial and trusting partnerships with our customers is important to us. Consistent, fair pricing based on shared knowledge and open book trading, is behind PRL’s growing and loyal customer base. To avoid considerable financial losses, there is a definite advantage in selling to a company with the ability to determine quickly and accurately the contents of Pt, Pd, and Rh of spent catalytic converters. We support our customers with knowledge and support and that’s why we are their preferred buyer of choice.

Many customers with regular and larger volumes of scrap catalytic converters, or that de-can themselves, use our pay-on-assay service. PRL sorts, opens, and de-cans the converters. The ceramic monolith is then crushed, milled and blended. An homogenised sample is assayed and a price per kilogram, based on the assay results and the prevailing PGM metal price, is offered to the customer. Customers can either choose to settle, ask us to hold their material until PGM prices improve, or if they are completely dissatisfied, we will return their material to them.

Maximise the value of your scrap catalytic converters or ceramic monolith and experience the best customer service in the industry. Call us today and speak to one of our friendly and professional team on 01793 828283 (+00 44 1793 828283). Alternatively, simply use the quick enquiry tab, we’ll be delighted to help.