Hydro Expands Hydro Circal Line with Foundry Alloy for Automotive Applications

Hydro Circal Expansion Boosts Automotive-Grade Recycled Aluminum Options

Norsk Hydro has expanded its Hydro Circal line to include both extrusion ingot and, importantly, foundry alloy formats. As a result, Circal—which contains at least 75% post-consumer scrap—now better supports the automotive sector’s growing sustainability goals. This move reinforces Hydro’s leadership in low-carbon, recycled aluminum for structural and critical vehicle components.

Circal was previously available only as extrusion ingots. Now, foundry alloys enable use in wheels, battery boxes, and engines. This expansion allows Hydro to meet rising OEM demand for performance and circularity in aluminum applications. Automakers increasingly require low-emission materials to comply with stricter sustainability regulations.

Hydro Circal is produced at several verified sites across Europe. In 2023, Hydro acquired Alumetal and its Nowa Sól sorting plant in Poland. The facility recently passed third-party audits, confirming compliance with Circal’s high recycling standards. This ensures traceable sourcing and strengthens Hydro’s long-term circular materials strategy.

Hydro Circal Foundry Alloys Align with Decarbonization Goals

Hydro’s move into foundry alloys supports its customers’ decarbonization plans. “Hydro Circal has set the benchmark for recycled aluminum since 2019,” said Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President at Hydro. The company now offers tailor-made solutions for automakers reducing emissions and increasing recycled content.

Secondary aluminum demand continues to grow in the auto industry. Circal’s high recycled ratio helps manufacturers meet net-zero targets and extended producer responsibility (EPR) standards. This gives Hydro a competitive edge in supplying green aluminum under tightening global regulations.

Hydro’s acquisition of Alumetal boosts capacity and access to reliable post-consumer scrap. Strong feedstock control and independent audits ensure Circal meets strict sustainability and supply chain criteria. As demand rises, Hydro is well-positioned to scale low-carbon aluminum production across key automotive markets.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Hydro’s Circal expansion shows strategic foresight in a rapidly changing automotive materials market. As EV growth drives demand for verified green metals, Circal foundry alloys offer immediate solutions to automakers. Other producers may follow Hydro’s lead, but few have its combination of early adoption, technical capacity, and third-party trust. This gives Hydro a strong position in the race for sustainable and scalable aluminum solutions in global mobility manufacturing.