International Aluminium Recycling Congress reiterates commitment towards a circular economy

The 14th International Aluminium Recycling Congress that took place in Manchester on 7 and 8 February played host to over 150 delegates from across Europe. European Aluminium firmly reiterated its commitment towards the conference theme “Recycling at its best: the circular economy opportunity” during the conference.
The Association opined that Europe should be more pro-active to cooperate closely on a global level to close the recycling loop. EU policymakers should ensure equivalent standards for treating exported EU scrap to set a global standard.

Gerd Götz, Director General of European Aluminium stated during the conference: “Europe is creating the basis for the circular economy, but we need to close the loop on a global level.” …“We follow high environmental, health and safety standards in Europe when recycling aluminium scrap. However, when scrap is exported to other parts of the world it is not required to be treated according to equivalent standards. This skews competition, creating an unlevel playing field with the rest of the world. This is why we call the European Parliament to adopt measures that ensure these standards are enforced.”

The European Commission’s Circular Economy Package will encourage a circular economy with a shift of focus towards a low-carbon society.  Notably, aluminium is contributing significantly towards a sustainable future through its increasing end of life recycling rates.

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Roland Scharf-Bergmann, Chair of European Aluminium’s Recycling Division and Head of aluminium company Hydro’s recycling business, stated, “As a fully and infinitely recyclable material, the aluminium industry adopted a closed loop mentality long ago. Scrap is a valuable resource and proper recycling not only helps build a low carbon society but provides jobs to about 25,000  people in Europe, most of which in small and medium-sized enterprises.”

It is noteworthy that aluminium can be recycled infinitely without affecting its inherent qualities and put into new applications again and again which drives the fact that about 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use.

“Aluminium is a strategic material for a low-carbon society. Today, the whole aluminium value chain – from primary to recycling – is present in Europe. We want it to stay that way. Europe can lead on circular economy and have an impact on the global stage, but it needs to be ambitious in its objectives and stand firm on its standards,” Mr Bergmann concluded.