Revolution in aluminum recycling: This is how waste becomes a valuable resource!

Revolution in aluminum recycling: This is how waste becomes a valuable resource!

The Montanuniversität Leoben is dedicated to intensive research into the efficient use of resources and waste avoidance, particularly in the area of ​​aluminum recycling. One of the biggest challenges in the recycling process is the reusability of materials, especially coffee capsules, which are difficult to recycle due to their thinness and rapid oxidation. To address this problem, scientists are working to increase the purity of recycled aluminum up to 95 percent. This purity is crucial to ensure the material's reusability for high-value applications including car doors, window frames and aircraft components.

The research takes place, among other places, on the ground floor of the university, where tests are carried out that are closely linked to the studies at the Chair of Non-Ferrous Metallurgy on the upper floors. The entire process involves melting aluminum at a temperature of 660 degrees Celsius, followed by a casting phase in which the molten material is poured into molds to solidify into small ingots.

Efficient recycling processes

Aluminum recycling has proven to be extremely efficient and ecologically sustainable. The recycling process begins with collecting and sorting aluminum obtained from cans, industrial scrap and production waste. Crushing and shredding then takes place to maximize energy efficiency during melting. Paint and coatings are then removed before the aluminum scrap is melted down at around 750 degrees Celsius. This process ensures that impurities are removed before the molten aluminum is poured into ingots or sheets. The entire recycling process offers numerous advantages:

• Energieeinsparung: 95 % weniger Energie im Vergleich zur Primärproduktion von Aluminium.
• Reduktion der CO₂-Emissionen: Bis zu 90 % weniger Emissionen im Vergleich zur Primärproduktion.
• Reduzierung fester Abfälle: Aluminium trägt zur Abfallreduktion auf Deponien bei.
• Ressourcenschonung: Verringerung des Drucks auf den Bauxitabbau.

Current developments and future

Aluminum can recycling rates in the US and Europe are currently between 60 and 75%, while Brazil achieves over 95%. Each recycled can saves enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for about 20 hours. In the automotive industry in particular, around 90% of the aluminum in end-of-life vehicles is recovered. In construction, it can be observed that between 60% and 85% of the aluminum used is recycled at the end of its life cycle.

The future direction of aluminum recycling is determined by the EU directives, which have set a recycling target of over 80% for aluminum packaging by 2030. Innovative technologies are intended to further improve the efficiency of processes and reduce the environmental impact. Companies like Weerg continually integrate sustainable practices into their waste management to optimize material use while reducing waste and energy consumption.

Overall, the research at the Montanuniversität Leoben and the current developments in aluminum recycling impressively show how important it is to maximize the recyclability of materials and energy in order to move sustainably into the future. The focus is clearly on creating an environmentally friendly cycle that makes both economic and ecological sense.