Aluminum recycling: the process, benefits and its role in construction

Aluminum is becoming ever more widely used in the construction industry

An increasing number of construction manufacturers are recognizing the enormous potential of aluminum. It is used in the manufacture of various types of structural components.

Aluprof has for many years been involved in the design, manufacture and distribution of such solutions as aluminum systems for:

• windows,
• door,
• façades
• interior walls,
• sunshades.

With a combination of superior durability, robustness and relatively low weight, aluminum is an excellent building material. In addition, it is resistant to adverse weather and environmental factors, including moisture and UV radiation. At the same time, it even fits perfectly with the goals of sustainability and recycling in construction.

Aluminum production and recycling in the context of industrial decarbonization

As the technology for producing aluminum from bauxite ore has developed rapidly, the process now generates nearly 60% less greenhouse gases in comparison with the period from the last decade of the previous century. By 2015, European countries had succeeded in reducing the resulting CO2 emissions into the atmosphere to less than 7 kg for every kilogram of material produced. By comparison, in China the figure is currently about 20 kg, while globally it is about 18 kg.

In parallel, many solutions have been devised to reduce the environmental burden of bauxite ore mining processes. Still, their use comes at a huge financial cost, as once an open-pit mine is closed, it takes many years for the area to be fully restored. That is why aluminum recycling technologies have been developed over the years, and in this respect the material has extraordinary potential.

Aluminum recycling: why is it important for the construction industry?

The processing of this raw material is highly profitable for the following reasons:

• once manufactured, a product or component can be recycled over and over again,
• it retains all of its properties, even after repeated processing,
• aluminum recycling consumes only about 5% of the energy used in its manufacture, with low greenhouse gas emissions.

At present, about 75% of this raw material is already being recovered, and experts believe it is possible to raise this figure to over 90%. Today, the recycling of building materials made of aluminum is already a major contributor to the industry’s decarbonization goals, and there is ample evidence that it will continue to grow rapidly in importance.

How does the aluminum recycling process work?

This non-toxic raw material can be obtained from all possible sources. These include demolition materials, cans and used car parts, to name just a few. Aluminum scrap is properly sorted and then cleaned. As a final step, it is crushed in special granulation machines.

Once prepared this way, it is:

• heated in furnaces until it passes from its solid to liquid state,
• poured into special molds,
• and processed into its final form – such as the sheets of thin aluminum made from it through the rolling process.

Aluprof takes an active part in the green transformation of the construction sector

We have specialized for many years now in providing solutions for the construction industry based on aluminum, much of which is recycled. As a result, our systems for windows, doors, and façades are environmentally friendly, renowned for their superior quality and durability. We support the green transformation of the construction sector, while helping to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. By implementing innovative technologies, Aluprof ensures that its products have excellent thermal insulation parameters.

Choose energy-saving solutions from Aluprof, and enjoy thermal comfort in your home

By selecting Aluprof solutions, you can contribute to environmental protection and support the idea of sustainable development in Europe. But above all, by installing Aluprof windows and doors in your home, you are able to achieve thermal comfort all year round. At the same time, you reduce the heating and cooling costs of your building! Feel free to contact us for more details on these products and professional support in selecting the right ones.

To learn more about aluminum joinery, visit our blog.