“Why does an aluminium and renewable energy company like Hydro work with designers? Because we believe in the power of partnerships. By working with leading designers, we want to challenge the way things are made and pull the industry in a greener direction by getting more manufacturers to understand how to select materials based on sustainability aspects,” says Trond Olaf Christophersen, Executive Vice President Corporate Development and acting CFO in Hydro.
Recycling is the fastest way towards Hydro’s goal of delivering zero-carbon aluminium and growth in recycling is a key part of Hydro’s 2030 strategy. With a growing demand for low-carbon, recycled products, Hydro works closely with its customers to create recycled solutions which comply with their product specifications. This unlocks the potential for more use of recycled materials in new segments such as transportation, renewable energy infrastructure and consumer durable goods.
Inspiring designers from all industries to consider recycled materials
Of the 10 million tonnes of furniture* that is thrown away in Europe every year, only 10 percent is recycled. This means designers have a powerful role to play in accelerating the green transition, as up to 80 percent of a product’s environmental impact is decided at the drawing board, material selection and how the product is designed decided whether it can easily be recycled after use. Access to low-carbon, recycled materials is crucial to lower the footprint of furniture.
Aluminium’s footprint can vary dramatically depending on production methods. Aluminium produced using fossil fuels carries a much heavier burden than recycled aluminium or aluminium produced using renewable energy sources. This is why Hydro is a champion for clear material labeling across industries.
By recycling post-consumer scrap, which is aluminium that has lived a life as an old window frame, a used car part, or other product, the material reaches a very low carbon footprint. Hydro CIRCAL recycled aluminium is available with 75 percent post-consumer scrap and with 100 percent post-consumer scrap in limited amounts. Hydro CIRCAL 100R has a carbon footprint below 0.5 kilo CO2 per kilo aluminium, 33 times lower than the global average.