Metrics Matter When Calculating the Recycled Content of Rolled Aluminum

Metrics Matter When Calculating the Recycled Content of Rolled Aluminum

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Recycled Content Standards for Aluminum

Enhancing the percentage of recycled material in rolled aluminum products is a pivotal step towards reducing the carbon footprint of those products. However, the current lack of consistency in determining recycled content across the aluminum industry poses a challenge. At Novelis, we recognize this issue and strive to establish aluminum-specific recycled content metrics by aligning with esteemed organizations like the Aluminum Association, Mission Possible Partnership, and the Can Manufacturing Institute.

Download Our Whitepaper: Discover the Methodology for Industry Standard Metrics

Join us in our quest to drive down carbon emissions through aluminum recycling. Download our comprehensive whitepaper to gain insights into our methodology and understand why these metrics should become the industry standard. Let’s work together to create a sustainable future.

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Developing Recycled Content Standards: Our Commitment

As the world’s largest purchaser and recycler of aluminum, Novelis is leveraging our extensive experience and global resources to help develop recycled content standards. With our exceptional portfolio of aluminum recycling assets and expertise, we possess a unique perspective on what constitutes recycled content.

Proposing a Universally Accepted Methodology: Effective Recycled Content Calculation

Novelis proposes a universally accepted methodology to measure recycled content in aluminum products. Our calculation involves subtracting the percentage of primary content from a baseline of 1.00 and accounting for scrap handling and metal loss. By adopting the industry standard formula, Effective Recycled Content = (1.00 – prime content) + adjustment, we ensure transparency and accuracy.

Transparency, Validation, and Accuracy: Our Reliable Approach

Our internal and external reporting relies on this internationally recognized methodology, which has undergone review and approval by TrueNorth Collective, a sustainability consulting group. The high level of transparency and objectivity embedded in our approach allows us to confidently share our estimated recycled content metrics externally.

Achieving the End Goal: Carbon Reduction

High-recycled content is a core attribute that resonates with rolled aluminum customers who value sustainable outcomes. As a committed partner to major brands worldwide, Novelis aims to reduce the carbon footprint not only of our own products but also those of our trusted partners.

Novelis is advocating for the harmonization of the recycled content calculation for rolled aluminum products—a key metric to transparently report the environmental attributes of aluminum.

Recycling Aluminum for Sustainable Impact

Aluminum’s recyclability, without any loss in properties, is remarkable. Recycling aluminum consumes only 5% of the energy required for primary aluminum production, resulting in a staggering 95% reduction in carbon emissions. It is evident that increasing recycled content directly correlates with carbon emission reduction.

The Crucial Role of Recycled Inputs

Primary aluminum production contributes significantly to our industry’s carbon impact. While the transition towards environmentally friendly processes gains traction, the supply of “green prime” aluminum remains limited. Therefore, Novelis places paramount importance on increasing the utilization of post-industrial- and post-consumer aluminum scrap in our manufacturing processes. This emphasis on recycled inputs drives our decarbonization efforts.

Together, Let’s Drive Sustainability

By optimizing the recycled content of rolled aluminum, we can make substantial strides in reducing our carbon footprint. Join Novelis in our commitment to sustainability and the circular economy. Let’s unlock the full potential of aluminum recycling for a greener future.

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Novelis is advocating for the harmonization of the recycled content calculation for rolled aluminum products—a key metric to transparently report the environmental attributes of aluminum.

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