aluminium expo | American aluminum industry's use of recycling to address climate change

Recently, aluminium industry associations disclosed that a significant portion of aluminum produced in the United States contains recycled content. This marks a crucial step toward environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

During a hearing held by the United States International Trade Commission, both organizations emphasized the pivotal role of the domestic recycling materials industry in helping aluminum producers address climate change. These efforts make a significant contribution to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions by providing high-quality recycled materials as alternatives to virgin resources.

According to data from aluminium expo, nearly 80% of aluminum production in the United States utilizes recycled aluminum, whereas the global average for steel made from recycled aluminum is only around 30%. This significant difference highlights the efficiency of the American aluminum and steel industries compared to their international counterparts.

Adam Shaffer, the Assistant Vice President responsible for international trade and global affairs, emphasized the significant environmental impact of recycling. He stated, "The American recycling materials industry plays a crucial role in addressing climate change by promoting safe, economically sustainable, and environmentally responsible recycling. Broadly speaking, in the United States, recycling commodities save nearly 400 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of 48 million households for a year."

The President and CEO of the Aluminum Association of the United States, Charles Johnson, also emphasized the indispensable role of materials like aluminum in the transition to green energy. In the past decade, nearly $10 billion has been committed or spent on constructing and expanding American aluminum plants and operations. This includes the ongoing construction of two brand-new, state-of-the-art aluminum rolling and recycling facilities.

The aluminium industry association further highlighted environmental progress, noting that the carbon footprint of aluminum production in North America has been reduced by half over the past 30 years. This achievement is attributed to technological advancements, improved efficiency, and the transition from coal-based energy sources to renewable energy sources in the smelting process.