From its lightweight nature to its ability to be recycled over and over again, aluminum is a sustainability star and a critical component of the circular economy.  

Here are the top 5 reasons why it’s a material of choice:  

1. 75% of All Aluminum Ever Produced is Still in Use Today 

One of the most impressive facts about aluminum is its durability and reusability. Approximately 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in active use today. This is thanks to its ability to be recycled over and over without losing its quality or structural integrity. From beverage cans to vehicles and buildings, aluminum’s longevity ensures that it remains circulating in the economy rather than sitting in landfills or ending up as litter. 

2. Aluminum Recycling Saves 95% of the Energy Required for Primary Production 

Recycling aluminum uses just 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum from raw materials. This substantial energy savings makes aluminum one of the most energy-efficient materials to recycle. At Novelis, we leverage this attribute in our operations by maximizing the use of recycled content. 

3. Recycling Aluminum Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In addition to saving energy, recycling aluminum can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 95% compared to primary aluminum production. This dramatic reduction is essential as industries seek to lower their carbon footprint. At Novelis, we prioritize recycling as a way to help our customers achieve their sustainability goals. 

4. Aluminum Cans are the Most Recycled Beverage Container 

Aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage container in the world, with an impressive global recycling rate of approximately 69%. The circular nature of aluminum allows beverage cans to be recycled and back on store shelves in as little as 60 days … that aluminum is a key driver of the circular economy, reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption. 

5. Aluminum is Infinitely Recyclable 

Perhaps the most remarkable characteristic of aluminum is that it is infinitely recyclable* without any loss of quality. Unlike many materials that degrade during the recycling process, aluminum retains all of its original properties no matter how many times it is recycled. This infinite recyclability ensures that aluminum can continue to play a vital role in the transition to a more circular economy and a sustainable future. 

As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with recycled aluminum, these five attributes reinforce our commitment to building a more sustainable, circular world through the power of aluminum. 

^* Some melt loss occurs during the remelt process, which we currently estimate to be roughly 1%, though it can vary due to a variety of factors.

Novelis is proud to partner with Mercedes Benz Stadium in the “Recycle for Good” program. This initiative turns recycled aluminum cans into funds to build Habitat for Humanity homes for families in need. Recently, Keisha, a mother of three from southwest Atlanta, moved into her dream home thanks to this unique partnership. Since the program’s inception, five homes have been built in Atlanta. Learn more about this heartwarming story and how you can contribute here: Atlanta woman’s dream home became a reality one can at a time (fox5atlanta.com) 

In a recent commentary published in Recycling Today on June 22nd, Greg Schlicht, Senior Vice President of Global Beverage Packaging at Novelis, discusses the immense benefits of increasing aluminum can recycling rates in the United States. 

Novelis is at the forefront of this initiative, investing in and expanding our recycling ecosystem. We are also advocating for supportive legislation to increase recycling rates and promote a circular economy for aluminum.

Learn more about our efforts and how you can contribute to a sustainable future by reading the full commentary: Realizing the Benefits of Boosting Aluminum Can Recycling in the U.S. – Greg Schlicht, Novelis

Aluminum, which is much less dense than steel, is rapidly becoming the material of choice for automakers looking to create smarter, lighter, safer, and more sustainable vehicles. Compared to steel, an aluminum vehicle body can be up to 45% lighter while maintaining equal stiffness and load-carrying capacity. This significant weight reduction offers numerous advantages, especially as the automotive industry shifts toward electrification. 

Alumobility , an organization dedicated to advancing the use of aluminum in the automotive industry, recently published a compelling white paper titled “When it Comes to Aluminum, Less is More” in Aluminum International Today. This article highlights eight major reasons why aluminum is the material of the future for automakers. The benefits detailed include improved efficiency and range, secondary weight and cost savings, enhanced safety, increased vehicle durability, reduced corrosion, greater payload and towing capacity, manufacturing efficiency, and better circularity through recycling.  To explore these advantages and understand how aluminum is revolutionizing the future of mobility, read the full Alumobility article here.

We are excited to announce that Novelis has been shortlisted for the prestigious World Sustainability Awards 2024 for our entry “Novelis Partners with OEMs for Closed-Loop Recycling” in the Sustainable Technology Provider Award category. This recognition celebrates our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aluminum industry.

Overview of the Entry:

Novelis, the global leader in aluminum recycling and a key supplier to the automotive industry, has established groundbreaking, closed-loop-recycling partnerships with several major automakers. These partnerships allow us to reclaim and recycle aluminum scrap generated during OEMs’ manufacturing processes, turning it back into high-quality aluminum sheets for new vehicle production.

The Challenge:

The automotive market presents unique challenges in recycling. Traditionally, automakers sold their aluminum scrap to recyclers, leading to inefficiencies and unnecessary costs. This process often downgraded the high-value aluminum scrap, preventing it from being reused in new automotive parts.

Our Approach:

Recognizing these inefficiencies, Novelis develops innovative closed-loop recycling systems in collaboration with automakers. These systems ensure the highest value use of aluminum scrap, maintaining the integrity of high-value aluminum sheets and reducing carbon emissions.

Outcome:

As the world’s largest recycler of aluminum, Novelis leverages the infinite recyclability of aluminum to deliver sustainable solutions. Recycling aluminum uses only 5% of the energy required to produce primary aluminum, reducing carbon emissions by up to 95%. Our closed-loop-recycling partnerships help automakers reduce their environmental impact, meet regulatory requirements, and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

About Novelis:

Novelis is the leading producer of flat-rolled aluminum products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum. We partner with customers in the automotive, beverage packaging, aerospace and specialties industries to deliver sustainable solutions across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis operates 31 facilities in nine countries and employs approximately 13,190 people. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group.

Our Commitment to Sustainability:

At Novelis, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We work closely with our customers to leverage aluminum’s unique properties, delivering solutions that meet their needs and create a more circular economy. Our expertise in closed-loop recycling and our ability to partner with industry leaders enable us to drive sustainability forward.

We are honored to be shortlisted for the World Sustainability Awards 2024 and look forward to continuing our journey toward a more sustainable future.

Read more about our sustainability efforts here.

At Novelis, we have always championed aluminum as the premier packaging for beverages, combining superior environmental benefits with unmatched practicality. A recent article in Food & Wine Magazine, “Here’s the Real Reason Beer Comes in Aluminum Cans,” reinforces our longstanding belief in the benefits of aluminum cans and sheds light on the historical context, technical benefits, and environmental advantages that perfectly echo Novelis’ dedication to sustainable packaging solutions.

For a comprehensive understanding of why aluminum is the best choice for beverage packaging, read the full article in Food & Wine Magazine here: Here’s the Real Reason Beer Comes in Aluminum Cans [foodandwine.com]

Alumobility, in partnership with Porsche, unveils the findings of their latest study focusing on aluminum lightweight design. Titled “Aluminum Lightweight Study: A Conversion of the Porsche Taycan Top Hat from Mixed Material to an Aluminum Design,” the study explores the potential benefits of utilizing aluminum in vehicle construction.

Find more information on the announcement click here.

In support of our commitment to environmental stewardship, our Pindamonhangaba plant in Brazil has successfully completed a project to improve water quality and expand storage capacity at a nearby lake. The initiative involved comprehensive measures, including the installation of state-of-the-art equipment to control algae, the strategic planting of more than 1,400 native trees along the lake’s shore, and the removal of sediment. These efforts have significantly boosted the lake’s capacity, soaring from 24,000 cubic meters (m3) to an impressive 40,000 m3. This project marks a substantial improvement in the local environment, reflecting Novelis’ dedication to sustainability and community well-being.

Project Highlights:

– Equipment Installation: Cutting-edge ultrasonic equipment with online sensors for monitoring crucial water quality parameters was deployed to control algae growth. This system continuously tracks water quality, providing real-time insights into the lake’s conditions.

– Native Tree Planting: more than 1,400 native trees were planted along the lake’s shore, contributing to the restoration of the area and enhancing its ecological value.

– Sediment Removal: The project included the removal of sediment from the lake, ensuring not just increased capacity but improved overall water quality.

Novelis remains dedicated to sustainability initiatives that positively impact the environment and the communities we serve. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to fostering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable world.

From the collaborative minds of Novelis’ top automotive experts Jamie Zinser, Vice President, Global Automotive, Xavier Varone, Global Technical Director, and Don Whitacre, Director, Automotive Technical Development, a recently published Thought Leadership shows why aluminum is now the fastest-growing automotive material and the key to success for automakers seeking to transition to lighter, greener and simpler to manufacture vehicles. 

Pound for pound, kilo for kilo, no other material can match aluminum when it comes to delivering the strength, durability and low-carbon footprint demanded by today’s increasingly innovative vehicle designs while also significantly reducing weight. 

Read the full Thought Leadership piece here.