Constellium Revolutionizes Aluminum Recycling with LIBS Technology

Breakthrough in Aluminum Scrap Sorting
Constellium SE, a leading Paris-based aluminum producer, has partnered with OSR GmbH and a European automotive manufacturer to implement Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology for sorting mixed aluminum scrap from automotive production. This technological advancement allows for the precise sorting of alloys with more than 95% purity, significantly enhancing the recycling process and reducing carbon emissions in the automotive supply chain by increasing the use of recycled aluminum.

Overcoming Alloy Sorting Challenges
One of the primary challenges in automotive aluminum recycling is sorting mixed 5000 and 6000 series alloys, which are traditionally downcycled. However, with the implementation of LIBS technology, Constellium has been able to rapidly and accurately separate these alloys, making them viable for high-value applications without compromising material integrity. This method ensures higher-quality outputs, which is crucial for the automotive industry.

Sustainable and Scalable Solution
At Constellium’s Neuf-Brisach plant in France, the company has already processed significant volumes of LIBS-sorted aluminum scrap into high-quality products. This underscores the industrial scalability and potential of LIBS technology to reshape aluminum recycling practices globally. The company claims that this innovation not only reduces carbon footprint but also aligns with its customers’ sustainability targets.

Towards a Circular Economy in Automotive Aluminum
Looking ahead, Constellium plans to expand its use of LIBS technology to further improve recycling efforts. The company is focused on creating a circular economy for automotive aluminum, working towards recycling high-value aluminum from end-of-life vehicles. This is part of a broader industry trend aimed at transitioning toward a low-carbon economy.

Industry-Wide Adoption of Advanced Recycling Technologies
Constellium is part of a growing movement in the aluminum industry to adopt advanced sorting technologies. Other key players, such as Novelis and Hydro, are also investing in innovations to improve scrap sorting. Novelis has partnered with Sortera Technologies, which uses AI-based sensors to enhance the sorting of aluminum scrap, while Hydro is using Hysort technology with LIBS to improve recycling at its facility in Michigan. These efforts demonstrate the industry’s increasing focus on improving recycling efficiency and contributing to sustainability goals.