Recycling Aluminum Extrusion 06-09-2019

Aluminum is being used more frequently in building and construction projects due to its ideal qualities, such as being lightweight, cost-effective, sustainable, and durable. For these reasons, aluminum is widely used in projects that aim to be eco-friendly, since it is also completely recyclable and reusable in a number of applications.

Why recycle?

Recycling aluminum is an environmentally acceptable practice for disposing of unwanted metal scraps, a process that has led to a significant decrease in the need for manufactured aluminum. According to the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), “73% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use today. . . During deconstruction, aluminum is extracted for scrap value [which] reduces environmental impact by not being deposited in landfills.”.

Why reuse?

Recycled aluminum is ecological and less expensive than primary aluminum, yet they both exhibit the same levels of durability, strength, and longevity. According to the AEC, a study completed at Delft University of Technology assessed the recovery of aluminum at building demolition sites in six European countries. The study revealed the recovery to be between 90% and 98%, concluding, “Recycling aluminum from demolished or deconstructed buildings [is] economically viable, environmentally sound, and significantly contributes to resource sustainability for future generations.”