Aluminium is a metal that can be recycled endlessly and is, therefore, ideal for circular transitions, and the recycling of aluminium should be reinforced.
FREMONT, CA: Aluminium can be recycled endlessly and can also maintain its material properties through the process of remelting. As a result, it is ideal for circular transitions and the recycling of aluminium should be reinforced.
To Accelerate Emission Cuts, a Clear Distinction Between Scrap Types is Necessary
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In order to be effective, a policy should be created to spot the difference between post-consumer scrap, which consists of products that have reached the end of their lifecycle, like old cars, a phone, or window form, which is also the scrap that stems from the inefficiencies in the production process of aluminium and has never been in use.
While the incorporation of post-consumer scrap participates in closing material loops and largely reduces the carbon footprint of new products, the utilisation of pre-consumer scrap does not do that. The European Commission's Critical Raw Materials list identifies the strategic vitality of the aluminium industry in the process of supporting Europe’s transition to a digital and green economy.
A Significant Opportunity For Policy Makers in 2023
The distinction will be significant this year, as it is constructing itself to become a year of circularity, with many important policy files on the EU agenda.
Policymakers possess the chance to give undivided attention to the secondary raw materials and post-consumer scrap through the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, legislation on Substantiating Environmental Claims, the Critical Raw Materials Act and the persisting revision of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive.
Every single piece of legislation should make a clear distinction between pre- and post-consumer scrap, and contribute to closing material loops.
The automotive industry is leaning toward lighter constructions, especially in the field of EVs. Lighter cars require a lesser amount of electricity and a smaller or lesser number of batteries to travel the same amount of distances.
Redefining Recycling
The definition of ‘recycled material’ is important as it can be perceived as post-consumer scrap by consumers, but it may be referred to as pre-consumer scrap. An important factor in the process of sustainable recycling is to boost the recycling efficiency of end products which comprise aluminium, as it would enable higher-number of post-consumer scrap volumes to be available in the market. This can be attained through the process of improving collection systems and investing in innovative sorting and recycling technologies.
Digital Passports Generate the Transparency Required for Customers
The data on a product’s footprints generated throughout its lifecycle must be communicated to the consumers to allow them to make the most of sustainable choices, which includes the contents of post- and pre-consumer scrap present within products. The Digital Product Passports (DPP) requirements, which are planned under the Ecodesign regulation, display significant potential for this.
