We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainability within the construction and manufacturing sectors. As part of this commitment, we are transitioning to the use of Hydro Recycled Low Carbon 2.0 Aluminium for our suite of Radii aluminium and glass partitions. Here are some specific benefits:
- Sustainability: Using recycled aluminium significantly reduces the environmental impact of our products. Recycled Low Carbon 2.0 contains a high volume of post-consumer scrap content. This guarantees a maximum of 2kg Co2 per Kg of aluminium. This product is solely cast in the UK and is fully verified with an EPD.
- Durability and Strength: Recycled aluminium retains the same strength and durability as virgin aluminium, ensuring that our partitions are robust and long-lasting.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Aluminium-framed glass partitions offer a sleek, modern look that enhances the visual appeal of any space. The minimalist design of aluminium frames complements the transparency of glass, creating an open and airy environment.
- Design Flexibility: Aluminium is a versatile material that can be easily shaped and customised to fit specific design requirements. This allows us to create unique and innovative partition solutions that meet the diverse needs of our clients.
The Transformation: How Recycled Aluminium is Made from Post-Consumer Scrap
In an era where environmental concerns are at the forefront of global consciousness, industries are constantly seeking ways to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the planet.
Post-consumer recycled material refers to any material that has been used by consumers and then collected, processed, and repurposed for new products. After being used, it is diverted from landfills, cleaned, and then recycled to be used in the manufacturing of new products. Examples include recycled paper, glass, plastic, and metals like aluminium that have been used, discarded, and then reprocessed into new items, reducing the need for virgin materials and promoting sustainability.
In our industry, the aluminium sector, the recycling of post-consumer scrap has emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional production methods. Not only does recycled aluminium use less energy in its production, but it also boasts significantly lower embodied carbon compared to the production of virgin aluminium.
The Process of Recycling Aluminium
Recycling aluminium begins with the collection of post-consumer scrap, which includes used drinks cans, car parts, building materials, and various other aluminium products. Once collected, the scrap is carefully sorted and cleaned to remove any contaminants such as paint, coatings, or other metals.
The next step in the recycling process involves shredding the cleaned scrap into small pieces, which are then melted in a furnace. The melting point of aluminium is relatively low compared to other metals, making it highly conducive to recycling. As the scrap aluminium melts, impurities rise to the surface and are skimmed off, leaving behind a pure aluminium liquid.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of recycling aluminium is its energy efficiency. Producing aluminium from recycled scrap requires significantly less energy compared to the extraction and processing of bauxite ore, which is the primary source of virgin aluminium.
According to the Aluminium Association, recycling aluminium requires only about 5% of the energy needed to produce virgin aluminium from bauxite ore. This drastic reduction in energy consumption not only conserves valuable resources but also helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental benefits
In addition to its energy efficiency, recycled aluminium also boasts a significantly lower embodied carbon compared to virgin aluminium production. Embodied carbon refers to the total carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of a material, including both direct and indirect emissions.
Hydro Recycled Low Carbon 2.0 guarantees that for every kilogram of aluminium produced, only up to 2kg of CO2 is emitted—substantially lower than traditional aluminium production. By utilizing recycled content, we not only reduce emissions but also conserve valuable resources, demonstrating how circular economy practices can play a key role in mitigating climate change.
The environmental benefits of recycling aluminium extend beyond energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction. By diverting aluminium scrap from landfills and incinerators, the recycling process helps conserve natural resources, reducing the demand for raw material extraction. Additionally, recycling aluminium reduces the overall waste burden, helping to decrease landfill volume and the associated risks of soil and water contamination.
Local economy benefits
In addition to its environmental benefits, recycling aluminium also offers numerous economic incentives. The aluminium recycling industry provides employment opportunities in collection, sorting, processing and manufacturing; supporting jobs in both urban and rural communities.
Moreover, the market for recycled aluminium continues to grow as businesses and consumers increasingly prioritise sustainability. Recycled aluminium is in high demand across various industries, including automotive, construction, packaging and consumer goods.
Conclusion
The production of recycled aluminium from post-consumer scrap offers a sustainable alternative to traditional production methods. Not only does recycling aluminium require less energy and generate fewer carbon emissions, it also helps to conserve natural resources, reduce landfill waste and stimulate economic growth.
As we strive to build a more sustainable future, the recycling of aluminium serves as a shining example of how innovative technologies and practices can help to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial processes. By supporting the recycling of aluminium; individuals, businesses and governments can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.
We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, using recycled aluminium to create high-quality, sustainable aluminium and glass partitions that benefit both our clients and the environment.
