UK Government Funds Project to Produce Low-Carbon Aluminum Billets from Scrap

The UK government has granted £3.4 million ($4.3 million) to the ReCircAl project, a collaborative research initiative aimed at producing aluminum extrusion billets with reduced embodied carbon using post-consumer scrap. Led by EMR, a UK-based recycling firm, and involving Constellium, Brunel University, and others, the project seeks to revolutionize the aluminum recycling process, particularly for use in the automotive industry.

ReCircAl Aims to Set New Benchmarks in Aluminum Recycling
The project unites key players across the aluminum manufacturing and automotive sectors. Together, they plan to produce high-performance aluminum billets that can be manufactured entirely from recycled materials. EMR and Constellium will leverage their expertise in recycling and alloy development, respectively, to create low-carbon aluminum that meets or exceeds the performance of primary aluminum.

Impact on Automotive and Manufacturing Industries
One of the primary goals of ReCircAl is to help create components for the automotive industry made from up to 100% recycled aluminum. The project aims to produce high-strength billets suitable for automotive structural components, ensuring they meet rigorous OEM performance standards. This initiative could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aluminum production, contributing to the industry’s green transition.

Building a Circular Aluminum Economy
The project builds on the success of the CirConAl initiative, which was also funded by the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC). Bruce Miller, Commercial Director at EMR, calls it a “landmark moment” for the aluminum and automotive sectors, stating that it will not only lower emissions but also create economic value by generating new jobs and securing long-term investment in green manufacturing. This project underscores the growing importance of recycling and sustainable practices as industries push towards a more circular economy.

Toward a Sustainable and Resilient Supply Chain
The ReCircAl project also has significant implications for the aluminum supply chain. By maximizing the use of post-consumer scrap, it aims to reduce reliance on primary materials while ensuring that recycled aluminum is integrated seamlessly into global supply chains. Andy Wilson of BCW Treatments emphasizes that this shift will help reduce carbon emissions and make high-performance materials more sustainably sourced, contributing to long-term environmental and economic sustainability.