Life cycle
70% of the energy that the Hydro Group uses to produce its primary aluminium comes from renewable sources. In parallel, gains in the efficiency of processes have made it possible to reduce the amount of electricity needed to produce one tonne of aluminium by 33% since 1950.
Recycling, a valuable asset in the battle against the greenhouse effect. Recycling requires only 5% of the energy necessary for the production of primary aluminium.
The recycling process is economically attractive and viable. Recycled aluminium meets almost 40% of the demand for the metal in Europe.
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable with no loss of its properties: the aluminium cycle is a closed life cycle.
The Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands has investigated the collection rate of aluminium in buildings. Demolition case studies in six different European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom) were carried out and the data collected shows that collection rates are over 95%.
