Recycling and Waste

Around 50% of Sapa’s total production is based on recycled aluminium.

During the actual recycling process only a small percentage of metal is lost, becoming aluminium oxide, which is a natural part of our environment. The recycling process itself only requires about 5% of the energy that was consumed in the production of primary aluminium. Because of this, a 95% energy and emissions reduction can be achieved. Increasing recycled aluminium utilisation is a main focus across our operations.

Recycling comes from two prime sources; scrap material from the production process and used material from products that have been removed or replaced. The life cycle of aluminium is such that end-of-use products are rare, however almost all pre-production scrap is recycled. Sapa Group has its own extrusion company, Sapa Profiles, with a capacity to recycle 35,000 tonnes of aluminium per year. The Company can therefore produce recycled aluminium, traceable from start to finish.

Waste management and hazardous substances

Throughout our operation, waste management systems are in place. The Group sort waste by type and volume or weight and will continuously reduce waste generation and increase our reuse/recycle ratio at our sites. The total amount of waste generated in 2010 was 86,000 tonnes, of which 73% was recycled.

Risk assessment of all hazardous substances used at locations is undertaken to determine risk related to use, storage, transport and waste management. Initiatives to reduce harmful chemicals are carried out at several locations, for example eliminating nickel and chrome. In 2010, Sapa uses 9,336 tonnes of caustic soda, which continues to be a focus for reduction activities.