How aluminium is leading the circular economy recycling revolution

Contributed by: Team AlCircle

October 14, 2023

In an era where environmental sustainability is paramount, the circular economy has emerged as a vital concept for reducing waste, reducing emissions, and conserving resources. Aluminium is at the forefront of this revolution, which is reshaping industries and spearheading a greener future via its versatility and recyclability. Let's explore how aluminium is pivotal in reducing our environmental footprint in the circular economy.

What exactly is the circular economy?

The circular economy is a new economic model aiming to minimise waste and maximise resources. It is designed to be regenerative and sustainable, focusing on maintaining the value of products, materials, and resources for as long as possible. In contrast to the traditional linear economy, which follows a "take-make-dispose" model, the circular economy is characterised by some key principles.

For example, products and materials are designed to be long-lasting, repairable, and easy to disassemble, aiming to extend their lifespan and promote reuse. Instead of discarding products when they no longer function or are outdated, the circular economy encourages repair and refurbishment to extend their usability. When products or materials do reach the end of their useful life, they are recycled or repurposed to create new products or materials, closing the loop in the material cycle.

The circular economy seeks to decouple economic growth from resource consumption and environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but also offer economic advantages such as reduced production costs, new business niches in recycling and remanufacturing, and increased resilience to resource scarcity and supply chain disruptions.

This concept has gained traction in recent years, especially in Europe, in response to the growing awareness of environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and the accumulation of waste. Governments, businesses, and organisations worldwide are increasingly adopting circular economy principles to address these challenges and create a more sustainable and resilient global economy.

These circular ideas can be applied differently, from how we make individual products to how industries and cities operate. For instance, some industries are finding ways to use waste from one process as a raw material for another, which saves resources and reduces waste. Only a small part of the world's economy currently follows these circular concepts. Still, they're becoming increasingly popular because they help cut down on waste, protect the environment, and make better use of resources - and aluminium is a key material for this transition.

Aluminium's recyclability - a vital driver of the circular economy

Aluminium's role in the circular economy begins with its high recyclability. This metal is a true recycling champion. Unlike many other everyday materials, aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing its valuable properties. This means that the aluminium you find in a cola can today have been part of an aircraft or a car in the past. The process of recycling aluminium is straightforward but highly effective, too. It involves melting the collected aluminium products, such as cans, foil, or old car parts, and then reshaping them into new products.

This efficient recycling process minimises waste and energy consumption, making aluminium a key player in the circular economy. Recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce it freshly from raw materials, making it an extremely energy-efficient option. To be precise, 16 kWh of energy is required to obtain 1 kg of aluminium from raw bauxite, while just 0.4 kW/h is needed to produce 1 kg of recycled aluminium from waste.

As an example, aluminium cans are ubiquitous in the beverage industry. Thanks to their recyclability, these cans are an environmentally responsible choice. The recycling rates for aluminium cans are quite high, with a significant percentage of these cans being reused to produce new cans. As consumer awareness about environmental issues grows, the demand for aluminium in packaging will increase further. Aluminium recycling could reduce emissions by 39 million tonnes annually by 2050, meaning 46% less CO2 per year by 2050.

Source: mdpi.com

Challenges remain, but the future looks bright

While aluminium leads the way to a circular economy, some challenges remain. The collection and sorting of aluminium products can be improved, and consumer awareness about recycling practices needs to grow. Additionally, innovation is key to further improving the recycling process. Advanced sorting technologies, using AI and robots, enhance the efficiency and accuracy of sorting and separating aluminium from other materials. Moreover, investments in recycling infrastructure are essential for maximising aluminium's circular economy potential.

Ultimately, aluminium is a shining example of a material at the forefront of the circular economy recycling revolution. Its unique recyclability and versatility have positioned it as a sustainability superstar across various sectors. As the world approaches environmental responsibility, aluminium's role will become more critical. By embracing this metal and improving recycling practices, we can move closer to a greener and more sustainable future where resources are conserved, waste is minimised, and a circular economy flourishes.

Conclusion

Aluminium is at the forefront of the circular economy recycling revolution, driving sustainability within the industry. Explore AL Circle's industry-focused report,"Sustainability in the Global Aluminium Industry,"