Global Research Center to Help Novelis Hit 80% Recycled Content

Novelis, a producer of rolled aluminium and the largest recycler of aluminium beverage cans, has opened its new Global Research & Technology Center outside of Atlanta, Georgia.

The company said that the 160,000 square foot (14,860 square metre) facility serves as the global hub its research and development activities.

According to Novelis the center will be the critical focal point for all R&D within the company, focused solutions for the its can, automotive and specialty customers.

It is also now the central point for all technical activities worldwide including engineering, manufacturing excellence and metallurgy.

Located in Kennesaw, just north of Novelis' world headquarters in Atlanta, the company said that the facility includes a variety of materials development and testing laboratories, as well as a pilot beverage can production line and meeting space.

Future plans include a small scale aluminium rolling mill, and heat treatment capabilities for finishing automotive aluminium sheet.

Novelis is partnering with the Georgia Institute of Technology and Southern Polytechnic State University on research opportunities, recruitment and internships for the future generation of engineers.

"Innovation is the foundation of our strategy and a critical driver of our growth," said Jack Clark, Novelis' chief technical officer.

"It's also one of the key components of achieving our commitment to having 80% recycled content across our products by the year 2020," he added.

In addition to the global center, Novelis said that it has six satellite research and technology centers worldwide including the U.S., Canada, Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Korea.