European Aluminium Unveils Plan to Cut Emissions, Achieve Circular Economy

European Aluminium, the main body representing Europe’s aluminium industry, has unveiled a new strategic plan to boost recycling rates in Europe as well as achieving full potential for a circular economy by 2030.

The plan comes in response to the EU’s Green Deal and aims to position aluminium as a key component of decoupling economic growth from CO2 emissions. It is estimated demand growth for the metal to increase by 40% between 2019 and 2050.

The trade body plans to ensure that all end-of-life aluminium products are collected and recycled across Europe, with the aim of supplying 50% of EU aluminium demand from recycled aluminium (up from 36% today). Were this to happen, CO2 emissions would be slashed by 39 million tonnes per year by 2050, lead to a decrease in aluminium imports to Europe and generate €9 billion per year for the European economy. Recycling only requires 5% of the energy needed for producing primary aluminium, resulting in emissions of only 0.5 tonne of CO2 equivalent/tonne recycled (gate to gate).

“The aluminium industry is committed to helping deliver the European Green Deal, building on its long-standing commitment to sustainability,” said Gerd Götz, European Aluminium’s Director General. “Our end goal is to achieve the full potential of aluminium circularity by 2030 and we won’t stop until we’ve achieved it. The Circular Aluminium Action Plan provides a roadmap for European policy makers and the European aluminium industry to work together to make this ambition a reality.”

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