Material manufacturers should continuously strive for transparency regarding the carbon footprint of their products and how it is measured. At Hydro we believe this is a key step towards reaching sustainability goals.
You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.
Transparency also encourages us to inform about conceivably lesser-known truths, for instance, that a kilogram of aluminium can be produced with lower CO2 emissions than a kilogram of eggs or a pair of jeans. We are not telling you to stop eating eggs or to stop wearing your favorite jeans. Rather, we want to put carbon footprint of aluminium into a different perspective to show that it matters where and how aluminium is produced.
Comparison of kilo CO2 equivalents required to produce different products
Sources: Hydro EPD's and internal analyses; Global average: IAI 2018; OWID; VOX; Expert(s) (Poore & Nemeck, 2018); LCA Analysis published by major apparel manufacturer
Of course, this is not a fair comparison since a kilogram of aluminium is not a product that can be used as such, meaning that there will be some additional carbon emissions in manufacturing and transport of the aluminium into a final product. However, our intension is to highlight the possibility of dramatically reducing the carbon impact of products by choosing materials wisely, and low carbon aluminium can be part of the solution. Furthermore, there is no question that sustainability should be top-of-mind for material users and producers, but it is also important that the material you choose have other benefits that meets your materialistic expectations.
Its superior properties in strength, light weight and applicability make aluminium an excellent material for hundreds of everyday products. As the third-most abundant element in the earth's crust after oxygen and silicon, aluminium is a resource that will last for generations with today's consumption, and which can be found in everything around us. The cars we drive, the technology we use, the buildings in our cities, only to mention a few.
The light weight of aluminium makes it easy-to-handle, which is a benefit to those working in factories and building sites. Because of the material's light weight, energy consumption during transportation and use of the product is drastically reduced making the material not just a versatile choice, but an economically viable one. The HYDRO chair by Tom Dixon and Hydro is a great example of how the material’s lightness can be utilized while still offering robust, esthetic, and sustainable qualities.
Its ability to be shaped, bent and punched provide endless opportunities for architects, designers, and engineers to create exactly what they envision. Aluminium is alloyed to enhance the metal’s properties for specific engineering structures and components where light weight or corrosion resistance is important. The stylish and practical bench made by Green Furniture Concept, using recycled aluminium from Hydro demonstrates the material’s malleability perfectly.
Surely, a material that is light and malleable cannot be strong, right? Actually, aluminium can be almost, if not just as strong as steel, depending on the alloy, processing technique and product design. Because aluminium is approximately one-third the weight of steel, components may be made thicker and stronger while still reducing weight compared to other materials. Hydro offers aluminium solutions that can cope with aggressive environments and heavy structural loads. While most metals weaken at lower temperatures, aluminium becomes stronger.
Its ability to function as an excellent conductor of heat and electricity opens a world of opportunities for aluminium in several industries, such as the electric vehicle industry, as well as on and offshore. aluminium is ideal for high-voltage applications since it does not have the ability to collect a magnetic charge. It is also ideal for producing computer bits and components that require the usage of magnetic fields. Furthermore, lightweight and cost-efficient battery cables made with aluminium are great examples of how well the material works as a conductor.
Get in touch to discuss your aluminium design
Extremely durable in neutral and slightly acidic environments, aluminium copes well when exposed to many aggressive chemicals and performs much better than other metals when exposed to formic acid or ammonia (as a refrigerant). For instance, The Ocean Cleanup uses aluminium profiles from Hydro in their Interceptor, and due to the excellent corrosion resistance of aluminium, it proved to be the perfect material for an Interceptor operating in rivers around the world.
The majority associate aluminium with the simplistic, silvery appearance, and might not be aware that the material can be treated to have considerably different looks. Surface treatment includes a variety of techniques than can regulate and enhance the finish of aluminium, providing several benefits for those who want to use aluminium in their projects but want to modify the looks. For instance, painting gives the user an unlimited selection of colors, whereas anodizing creates a dirt-repellent surface and improves corrosion resistance.
As mentioned, aluminium is one-third as dense as steel, which means you can have three times the thickness before you have the same weight as steel. Consequently, aluminium is an excellent material for crash management system design in cars and can offer high levels of energy absorption in, for instance, an accident. Aluminium’s ability to absorb energy is also ideal for other safety purposes, such as fire and blast resistance, bullet-proofing and burglary-resistant systems.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website EAI.
Recycling aluminium saves approximately 100 million tonnes of CO2e each year, as it only requires 5% of the energy required to manufacture aluminium from raw materials. Aluminium is the perfect material for the circular economy due to its high durability and limitless application possibilities. To better understand the rapidity of recycling, take aluminium cans in Europe as an example, where 70% of all aluminium cans are recycled, and the used cans become new cans in less than 60 days. Understanding the importance of recycling, Hydro offers a brand of recycled aluminium made with a minimum of 75% recycled, post-consumer aluminium scrap. Hydro CIRCAL builds on the foundation that aluminium is infinitely recyclable, and by drastically reducing energy use in the production phase, Hydro proactively contributes to reducing climate change.
The production of aluminium is energy intensive, but if the energy stems from renewable sources, the picture changes. Depending on the energy source, aluminium’s footprint can vary tenfold. By using renewable energy from wind, solar, and water, Hydro produces Hydro REDUXA low-carbon aluminium with a carbon footprint less than a quarter of the global average – less than 4 kg CO2 per kilo aluminium. More than 70% of Hydro's aluminium production is based on renewable energy sources.
The world we live in today moves rapidly in terms of development and inventions, consistently increasing the need for new materials to be able to produce and sustain for the current and future society. Presented above are some of aluminium’s advantages and superior qualities as a material. The materialistic qualities of aluminium should put aluminium high on customers’ watch-list, but we as many others have seen the need to offer more sustainable alternatives.
Therefore, Hydro offers low carbon aluminium through the brands Hydro CIRCAL and Hydro REDUXA. Not only do we offer low carbon aluminium, but through our tailor-made design service, Hydro EcoDesign, you can receive support in developing greener solutions that are ready for the circular economy.
If the material you use in the manufacturing of your products is mainly aluminum you likely have high expectations for your Aluminum supplier. Manufacturers who frequently uses aluminum in the machining or fabrication of their component parts are knowledgeable about the benefits Aluminum offers and expect the same from their Aluminum supplier. Aluminum suppliers are not created equally, and it’s important to look for qualities such as experience, fair rates, and timeliness. Whether you’re looking to purchase aluminum products for developing a new product or improving on an existing design, your project is important to you and you want nothing less than quality and dependability for your money.
One of the most important qualities an aluminum distributor should possess is in-depth knowledge of aluminum itself. Many companies store and ship aluminum, but aren’t fully familiar with its properties, which can lead to damage to products and customer dissatisfaction. Aluminum is a soft metal, and can easily become scratched and damaged if it’s stored or shipped next to harder metals, such as steel. A knowledgeable aluminum distributor will know the ins and outs of aluminum, including how to handle it properly. Choosing an experienced company will ensure your order is completed and shipped with the utmost care.
In addition, fair pricing is a factor you should consider when in the market for reliable aluminum distributors. Reasonable rates are always a plus, especially if you’re looking to buy aluminum in large quantities. Many aluminum suppliers offer a comprehensive selection of products, but if their prices are too steep and they offer few discounts, it can be problematic buying the quantities you need. It’s essential to choose a company whose focus is on providing high quality products at competitive prices. This way, you’ll have the room on your budget to buy a suitable number of the products you require.
Now if you put Aluminum expertise together with fair pricing, you should expect your Aluminum supplier to understand and be able to explain the pricing volatility of the Aluminum market. An Aluminum distributor that is transparent and willing to explain the details of how pricing is established on the LME (London Metals Exchange) will earn your trust and save you money.
As a purchasing professional, I am sure you have heard this many times: A good supplier doesn’t just understand their business, they understand yours as well. When purchasing Aluminum there are many ways to take out cost. Buying material precision saw cut to size can eliminate potential downstream machining processes in your operation. Buying a custom extruded section can take weight out of the raw material part as well as reducing machining operations. Both situations may cost more on the front end, but actually cost less when considering the overall picture. If you are not dealing with a supplier that is talking about these options, you should be.
Good suppliers can be relied upon for prompt service. As a customer, you expect to receive your order within a reasonable time-frame, but more importantly, you expect to get it on the day it was promised. A professional supplier follows through with their commitment. The last thing you need is a supplier that doesn’t understand your business, or what it is costing you to have a piece of equipment sitting idle waiting for material to arrive that never did. Worthwhile distributors have the inventory, information tools, and customer service people to complete even the most complex orders quickly, efficiently and accurately. With the right supplier, you will feel confident that your parts will be ordered and filled to the correct specifications, packaged appropriately, and be delivered on time.
It can be difficult locating transportation services for your aluminum items. It is important to find an aluminum distributor that can deliver to your location. This can save you from having to find transportation services for your aluminum orders. Be sure to ask about a supplier’s delivery services and any additional costs for those services. If possible, find a vendor that includes delivery in your price eliminating any unknowns.
Suppliers should have proper insurance, registration and licensing. You can have confidence an aluminum distributor is operating within the law when it is licensed and insured. This helps ensure you are receiving quality products. Ask who is the producing mill and request to see documentation if there is a concern. In the Aluminum industry, the producing mills select who will distribute their metal for them and represent their product downstream. In order to earn a franchise to sell Aluminum from a quality producer, you must be reputable and stock their product. Believe me, earning a franchise is not easy. If a metal supplier simply buys the material from another distributor but does not have the franchise with the producing mill, they will have a difficult time resolving any material claims.
The supplier’s experience is another factor to consider. Inquire about the distributor’s length of time in the industry supplying aluminum products. The distributor’s level of experience can determine how the company interacts with and services its customers. It can also determine the distributor’s reliability in supplying the right aluminum items on-time.
Vendors differ on the selection and types of aluminum products they sell. Along with various sizes and shapes, quality can differ as well. Ask about the types of aluminum the distributor offers. The supplier should have a working knowledge of its products and be able to explain their characteristics and benefits. This is important in order to help you choose the best aluminum alloy, sizes, and shapes for your applications.
When you are looking for the best aluminum distributor, it is important to ensure you review the above factors before using the services of a particular provider. This will help ensure you get the quality aluminum products you need at the right price.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Aluminum Products Purchasing Service.