Germany recycled 75kt of building aluminium scrap through AUF network in 2023

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A new report by German industry organisation Aluminium und Umwelt im Fenster- und Fassadenbau (AUF), prepared in partnership with European Aluminium, highlights the progress of closed-loop aluminium recycling in Germany's building sector. The study focuses on aluminium scrap generated from windows, doors and façade systems, and examines how more material can be kept within the construction industry through recycling. 

According to the 28-page report, AUF collected 75,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap in 2023 through its recycling network. The organisation said its members include construction companies, window and façade manufacturers, system suppliers, demolition firms, architects and planners. The collection system is supported by “Seventeen environmental partners and processors, with a total of around 300 collection points” across Germany.

The report estimates that Germany's building sector generated around 130,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap in 2023. More than one-quarter of this volume came from manufacturers of metal products, windows and façades. 

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AUF said, “The recorded increase in post-consumer scrap is primarily due to the stronger return flow of aluminium building products that have reached the end of their service life.” They added, “Nearly one-quarter of the remelted scrap volume in 2023 was used in areas outside the building sector.”  

According to AUF, the organisation's collection network accounted for about 54 per cent of all aluminium scrap generated by Germany's building sector in 2023. The report also states, “Due to the high value of aluminium scrap, recycling rates of almost 100 per cent are achieved in Germany.” 

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The study estimates that around 70 per cent of aluminium scrap from building products is processed and remelted in Germany before being returned to the market as secondary extrusion billets or rolling ingots. Of this, approximately 83,700 tonnes are recycled back into new building products, helping maintain a closed material loop within the construction sector.

The organisation stated that one of its long-term objectives is to increase the amount of recycled aluminium that returns to construction applications.