ISRI Convention discusses increased use of aluminium and its impact on recycling

The recently concluded Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) Convention and Exposition held fruitful discussions on the increased usage of aluminium by automotive industry and its impact on recycling. The panelists highlighted on the various light weighting benefits and emphasized on the need to create more capacities to meet rising demand.

According to speakers of the session titled “The Increased Use of Aluminium in the Automotive Industry and its Impact on Recycling”, the usage of aluminium has increased three-folds since mid-1980’s. The use of aluminium in vehicles offers lightweighting benefits and closed loop capabilities. The aluminium usage in vehicles is expected to grow further. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) must work closely with suppliers to ensure that adequate capacities are created to feed the demand.

Mark DiFalco, manager at KPMG LLP noted that OEMs who are currently looking to increase aluminium content in vehicles must ensure that sufficient capacities exist. He cited that when Ford decided to switch over to aluminium bodies for its F-150 pickup truck, there wasn’t enough capacity. DiFalco also cited that the company’s closed loop recycling system in partnership with Novelis had led to huge savings. The usage of aluminium eliminated nearly 700 pounds of overall vehicle weight and resulted in 15 per cent improvement of power-to-weight ratio.

The aluminium usage has increased mostly in body and closure parts such as hoods, fenders and doors. The total aluminium usage in vehicles has increased from 139 pounds in 1985 to 394 pounds in 2015, surging almost three times. The average aluminium usage in vehicles will rise significantly by nearly 40 per cent to total 547 pounds by 2025.

The ISRI 2016 Convention & Exposition was held April 2-7 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas.