Aluminium emerges as the go-to material for consumer electronics

Contributed by: Team AlCircle

September 15, 2023

Aluminium is the second most extensively used metal in contemporary society, after steel, and owing to its varied features, it has experienced a substantial growth in usage in recent decades in transportation, construction, packaging, and electronics. Aluminium demand in the worldwide electrical and electronics industry has gradually expanded in recent years. Aluminium usage in electrical and electronics applications increased by about 2.5% during 2022 and stood at about 12.6 million tonnes. This is expected to increase by about 1.9% to reach 12.9 million tonnes in 2023.

Even apart from the environment, aluminium mitigates certain other socio-environmental injustices. Unlike certain minerals used in electronics manufacturing, such as copper, gold, or cobalt, aluminium sourcing does not have the same ethical concerns related to conflict minerals. This also makes aluminium a much more socially responsible choice for electronics manufacturers.

Thus, aluminium will shape the future of the consumer electronics industry and take it in a more sustainable direction due to its environmental and physical advantages, which shall be discussed in greater detail below. This increase in popularity for electronics manufacturing is because aluminium has key advantages. Its lightweight nature, energy efficiency, recyclability, durability, and other properties make it an easy choice for manufacturers aiming to create more environmentally friendly and long-lasting electronic products.

Resource efficiency and reduced carbon footprint

Aluminium is abundantly available on the earth's crust, making it a resource-efficient choice for consumer electronics manufacturing. Its extraction and processing consume less energy than extracting metals like copper or gold, reducing the environmental impact of raw material acquisition. Aluminium production can even be integrated with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power - which themselves use aluminium as vital components - creating a virtuous cycle of emissions reductions. This aligns with sustainable practices and reduces the carbon footprint associated with aluminium manufacturing. However, much research is going on in this regard.

This abundance is not exclusive to primary production but extends to post-product life usage since aluminium is highly recyclable without compromising quality. This means consumer electronics made from aluminium can be easily recycled at the end of their life cycle. The recycling process of aluminium involves melting and reprocessing without significantly losing quality. This closed-loop recycling system encourages the recovery of aluminium from end-of- life electronics, reducing electronic waste and conserving scarce natural resources.

Aluminium's durability and recyclability thus greatly contribute to decreasing the amount of electronic waste generated. Manufacturers can promote a circular economy by using aluminium to make durable electronic products by extending product life cycles and reducing waste streams. Lightweight aluminium components in consumer electronics devices reduce the overall weight of products. This weight reduction leads to lower fuel consumption during transportation, reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption in the supply chain. Also, as consumer electronics become more energy-intensive, materials like aluminium are vital in improving battery efficiency. Aluminium's light weight helps reduce the weight of batteries, leading to much-improved energy density and longer battery life.

Using more aluminium in electronics manufacturing can thus help reduce the industry's overall carbon footprint. As aluminium requires less energy during production and can be easily recycled, it contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions than materials requiring more energy-intensive extraction and manufacturing processes.

Unique properties perfect for electronics

Everyone knows that aluminium's sleek and modern appearance adds to the aesthetic appeal of consumer electronics, as seen in those sleek Macbooks. However, aluminium also possesses specific other unique properties that help improve the functioning of electronic products. For example, its malleability allows for creative and stylish designs that attract consumers, making it suitable for intricate designs and miniaturisation of electronic components. Developing smaller, more compact devices for optimal use of scarce internal space in electronic products is crucial.

Additionally, aluminium's excellent thermal conductivity helps dissipate heat efficiently, reducing the need for additional cooling mechanisms, the risk of overheating, saving energy in the long run, and extending the lifespan of consumer electronics. Effective heat dissipation is essential for the longevity and performance of electronic components.

Aluminium is highly corrosion-resistant, improving consumer electronics devices' durability and longevity. Electronics made from aluminium are less prone to rust and wear, resulting in longer lifespans and reduced need for replacements. Aluminium's corrosion resistance thus makes it suitable for consumer electronics used in various harsh environments, including outdoors, underwater and industrial settings. This durability minimises the need for frequent replacements and contributes to e-waste reduction.

The unique physical properties, resource efficiency, recyclability, and adaptability make aluminium a key material in shaping the future of sustainable consumer electronics. Its positive impact extends across various aspects of electronics manufacturing, from energy efficiency and durability to recycling and reduced carbon emissions, aligning to create more environmentally friendly and socially responsible electronic products.