The circular economy and recycling in the aluminium sector

Aluminium is one of the most abundant metals in the Earth’s crust and an essential part of modern daily life. Its versatility, strength and ability to be reused indefinitely make it a key material for a truly sustainable economy.

Aluminium recycling

Aluminium is fully recyclable and retains its technical properties after every recycling cycle. One kilogram of recycled aluminium theoretically yields one kilogram of recovered aluminium.

One of its greatest environmental benefits lies in energy consumption: recycling one tonne of aluminium uses only around 5 per cent of the energy required to produce primary aluminium, representing a 95 per cent saving in electricity.

This efficiency places aluminium amongst the most valuable materials in the circular economy and makes its recycling a decisive contribution to the global reduction of emissions.

Aluminium and the Circular Economy

The Circular Economy is based on the reduction, reuse, recovery and recycling of materials and energy, promoting a continuous and sustainable cycle. This model redefines the concept of economic growth, decoupling it from the consumption of finite resources and eliminating waste right from the start of the production process.

The three principles underpinning the Circular Economy are:

• Eliminating waste and pollution at source

• Keeping products and materials in circulation for as long as possible

• Regenerating natural systems, preserving

Aluminium fits perfectly into this model due to its durability, infinite recyclability and ability to re-enter the production cycle with high added value.