Amid COVID-19 economic crisis, ALVANCE Aluminium Duffel continues to support the lightweight vehicles industry

The COVID-19 pandemic is still restraining certain sectors of the economy and as a result, the Brussels motor show is not taking place, but ALVANCE Aluminium is pursuing to work on innovation and development of aluminium supply for the industry. The demand for lighter vehicles, vehicles with reduced emissions and fuel consumption, electric and autonomous driving vehicles is a trend that ALVANCE is closely monitoring to support its customers in this evolution.

Belgium based ALVANCE Aluminium Duffel, previously owned by Aleris, has over 30 years’ experience in the use of aluminium in the automotive sector and supplies major car manufacturers and suppliers around the world. This factory can continue to invest in innovation and automation to deliver an even better, more tailored product, as the accreditation goes to ALVANCE Aluminium Group, who recently did the acquisition.

The usage of aluminium in cars is rising significantly, which is currently visible with an increase of 19% compared to 2016, whereas, by 2025, additional growth of 11% per car since aluminium is light and therefore has a strong positive impact on reducing car emissions.

The huge increase in the number of electric cars that require the lightest possible battery housing will further increase the amount of aluminium per car.

Cars must also be sustainable and ALVANCE Aluminium Duffel recently obtained the ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) Chain of Custody certificate, which demonstrates that it purchases and produces sustainable materials. ALVANCE Aluminium Duffel recycles its scrap and also has closed-loop recycling programmes with clients. In this way, the company is contributing to ALVANCE’s aim of being carbon neutral by 2030.

Moreover,  the aluminium used at Duffel is produced by sister company ALVANCE Aluminium Dunkerque, the largest smelter in Europe and also one of the greenest as the carbon content of its finished product is amongst the lowest on the market. The smelter is also ASI accredited under the body’s Performance Standard for responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium.

Geert Vannuffelen, General Manager, ALVANCE Aluminium Duffel, said: “Aluminium alloys are ideally suited for the design challenges of electric and autonomous vehicles. We’re committed to working in partnership with the industry in a proactive and integrated way, and our customers recognise this as something which can support their plans for growth and innovation in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner.”