Poland’s Alumetal, a leading producer of aluminum foundry alloys, has finalized an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The EPD provides full transparency on the environmental impact of the company’s recycled foundry alloy (RFA) products. It underscores Alumetal’s commitment to sustainability and responsibility within the aluminum industry. The data in the declaration comes from an independent third-party study, ensuring credibility.
Alumetal’s Move Towards Transparency and Sustainability
In 2023, following its acquisition by Norsk Hydro ASA, Alumetal received the new EPD. Hanne Simensen, EVP at Hydro Aluminium Metal, said that the EPD “validates both Hydro and Alumetal’s commitment to sustainability.” The declaration equips customers with critical insights into the environmental footprint of the company’s products, helping them make informed decisions in an increasingly eco-conscious market.
The EPD highlights Alumetal’s use of postconsumer scrap, a vital material for reducing emissions in aluminum production. With rising consumer awareness and stricter regulations, transparency about material sourcing has never been more important.
The Importance of Postconsumer Scrap in Alumetal’s Alloys
Alumetal focuses on postconsumer scrap (PCS), which has a much lower carbon footprint than preconsumer scrap. Since PCS has already been processed during previous production stages, recycling it produces minimal emissions. CEO Agnieszka Drzyżdżyk emphasizes the company’s dedication to providing clear environmental data, allowing customers to align their sustainability goals with informed decisions.
Alumetal’s plants in Poland and Hungary process 280,000 metric tons of scrap annually. The company uses up to 94% recycled materials in its foundry alloys, with more than 50% coming from postconsumer scrap.
Carbon Footprint and Competitive Advantage
According to the EPD, Alumetal’s recycled foundry alloy products have a carbon footprint of only 2.44 kg CO2-equivalent per kilogram of aluminum. This is far lower than the global average for primary aluminum production. Hydro reports that Alumetal’s emissions are less than one-sixth of the global average, with most emissions stemming from upstream material production.
The company’s use of a unique byproduct allocation method sets it apart. This method ensures the environmental benefits of postconsumer scrap are fully reflected, giving Alumetal a competitive edge in the market.
Advancing Recycling and Sustainability in the Aluminum Industry
Alumetal continues to lead in recycling technology. The company works to refine techniques for handling difficult postconsumer aluminum scrap. These innovations help prevent valuable materials from ending up in landfills, contributing to a more circular economy.
Simensen of Hydro states that Alumetal is playing a crucial role in increasing postconsumer scrap use. The company’s developments in sorting technologies allow for even more used aluminum to be recycled and reintroduced into production.
Through its EPD, Alumetal offers customers full confidence in the sustainability of its products. This commitment to transparency and sustainability provides a genuine alternative to greenwashing, helping industries achieve their environmental objectives.
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