Borcat Trailers goes green with Capral’s LocAl® aluminium: Decarbonising Australia’s industrial transport sector

In Australia's sprawling and diverse landscape, where vast distances stretch between cities and regions, the transport sector stands as a vital lifeline, weaving communities together and fuelling economic vitality. Yet, amidst mounting apprehensions regarding climate change and environmental sustainability, a compelling call to decarbonise this indispensable sector echoes nationwide.

Acknowledging this pressing urgency, Borcat Trailers, an esteemed Australian trailer manufacturer, has embarked on a transformative journey towards sustainability. At the forefront of this endeavour is adopting Capral Aluminium's LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium—a resolute step towards a greener future for Australia's transport landscape.

Borcat trailer & Capral Aluminium

Together, they have embraced Capral Aluminium's LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium as the new standard for the extruded aluminium supplied into their business. This move reflects Borcat's dedication to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining its reputation for excellence in the industry.

Borcat Trailers' decision to transition to LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium for all its aluminium extrusions used in trailer manufacturing reflects a larger trend within Australia's transport sector. As the world faces the challenges of climate change, industries globally are experiencing mounting pressure to embrace sustainable practices. In the transportation sector, this means re-evaluating traditional manufacturing processes and materials to reduce emissions and minimise environmental impact.

Luke Hawkins General Manager Industrial and Supply Chain, said, "At eight kilograms of carbon emissions per kilogram of aluminium, the LocAl Green offer has significantly lower carbon emissions than the current global average for primary aluminium. At 4 kilograms, LocAl Super Green is 75% lower; this is a significant reduction. It gives Australian manufacturers an important opportunity to make more responsible procurement decisions when they source extruded aluminium." 

Borcat Trailers on its sustainable approach

The transport sector plays a significant role in Australia's greenhouse gas emissions and contributes substantially to the country's carbon footprint. From heavy-duty trucks to commercial trailers, vehicles and equipment rely heavily on fossil fuels, releasing CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Decarbonising this sector is crucial for addressing climate change, enhancing air quality, and creating healthier communities.

"Over the years, Borcat Trailers have prioritised pioneering new technology as trailer designs and industry demands changed. The end result is that Borecat is recognised for delivering high-quality trailers that are "Built to Last", which led to our reputation in the industry for producing the best truck bodies, dogs and tip-over-axle trailers on the road. Aluminium has many advantages in trailer manufacturing; durability and lightweight are major ones, particularly now that, as an industry, we are looking for ways to decarbonise. A lighter weight trailer is more efficient to tow and allows operators to maximise their payload

Now, with access to LocAl Green from Capral, Borcat can deliver all the benefits of an aluminium trailer while drastically reducing the embodied carbon associated with the build. This is super important for our clients, particularly those who are managing large fleets or servicing the infrastructure space, where decarbonisation has become a top priority," commented Paul Gallagher, owner of Borecat Trailers.

Alongside adopting sustainable materials like LocAl® Green aluminium, Borcat Trailers is exploring various strategies to reduce its environmental impact. This includes investments in energy-efficient manufacturing processes, optimisation of supply chain logistics, and active waste recycling. By embracing a comprehensive approach to sustainability, the company aims to establish a new benchmark for environmentally responsible manufacturing within the transport industry. Moreover, Paul and his team understand that sustainability isn't just a moral obligation—it's also a business opportunity.

Borcat Trailers' choice to adopt Capral Aluminium's LocAl® Green product marks a significant milestone for the company. By emphasising sustainability and innovation, Borcat sets a compelling example for others within the industry. Amid global challenges posed by climate change, the significance of collaboration and collective action is more pronounced than ever.

About Capral's LocAl® range 

Capral's LocAl® range offers two options for lower-carbon aluminium: LocAl® Green, with carbon emissions of 8kg CO2e/kg Al, and LocAl® Super Green, with emissions of 4kg CO2e/kg Al. These are among the lowest-carbon aluminium options available worldwide.

Carbon emissions in primary aluminium production can vary significantly, ranging from under 4kg CO2e/kg Al to over 20kg CO2e/kg Al, depending on the energy sources used. The current global average carbon emission for primary aluminium sits around 13.9 kg CO2e/kg Al.

In addition to providing a product with lower carbon emissions, Capral is the first and only ASI-certified aluminium extruder in Australia. This certification offers customers the added assurance that the aluminium they receive is responsibly sourced and managed at every stage of the aluminium value chain, including everything from mining and refining to extrusion and supply by Capral.