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Introduction to aluminium
   
Aluminium and the environment
   
Aluminium and health
   
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You are in: Kaye Aluminium Technical Manual > Contents > Aluminium and the environment
 

All industrial activity uses up natural resources and has some impact on the surrounding environment. When considered over the whole life cycle, the use of aluminium often has a positive impact on the environment, compared with using alternative materials.
 
Aluminium in the environment
kWh/kg Al
Fuel
Electricity
Total
Bauxite – Alumina

6.75

3.67

10.42

Alumina – Aluminium

5.45

18.60

34.47

External Transport

1.69

0.09

36.25

Extrusion

0.36

1.78

38.39

 
The table above shows the use of energy required to produce extruded aluminium
 

The manufacture of aluminium from its bauxite ore requires large amounts of energy, but the process of turning an aluminium bar into an extrusion requires relatively little energy. The table shows standard production units and embodies the total use of energy including room heating, internal transport etc.

By comparison, if we use scrap as a raw material the use of energy drops to 3.9 kWh/kg, whilst similar reductions in the emissions such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitric oxides and sulphur oxides are achieved.

 

Aluminium that is gathered for recycling can circulate in an almost never-ending cycle of operation. The loss of metal due to oxidation in the melting process is small. The quality of the re-melted material is so high that it can be used for the same product over and over again.

Repeatable recycling is possible without lowering the quality and with high yield – absolute recycling.

     
Copyright 2004