Speira enhances recycling capabilities with new slag press in Karmøy

Speira, a leading rolling and recycling company, has announced a significant new investment in its Karmøy facility. With an allocation of NOK 6 million, Speira will install a state-of-the-art slag press. This cutting-edge technology enhances recycling by efficiently processing waste from aluminium production.

The investment underscores Speira's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aluminium industry. By enabling the recycling of production waste, the new slag press will contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aluminium manufacturing and support the company's goal of promoting a circular economy.

Pål Tage Endresen, Plant Manager at Speira Karmøy, said, “Not only will the quality of the product be higher, but we will reduce both operating costs and waste from production."

Recycling and treating aluminium slag is a crucial aspect of Speira’s sustainability strategy.

The installation of the slag press is expected to bolster Speira's recycling capabilities, ensuring that more aluminium waste is recovered and reused. This move aligns with global trends toward increased recycling and sustainability in industrial processes.

Speira's initiative in Karmøy is poised to set a benchmark in the industry, showcasing how technological advancements can drive environmental and economic benefits in metal production.

During aluminium production, an oxide layer known as aluminium slag forms. A slag press machine cools this oxide and applies high pressure, extracting the aluminium melt. The entire process, which is remarkably swift at approximately 30 minutes, results in a recycled aluminium product.

“We have a stated goal of setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. It is all about being strongly connected to the community where we work and live and aware of our role in ensuring a sustainable future. Optimisation of production, processing and recycling are keywords in this context,” Endresen said.

Since its spin-off from Hydro in 2021, Speira has made several significant investments in Karmøy. Over the past three years, the rolling and recycling company has invested well over NOK 100 million in new and modern equipment. This includes acquiring a new slag press, a new grinding machine, and upgrades to several production lines. The slag press is expected to be delivered in early 2025.

“Investing in new equipment is very important for Speira to be competitive in the future. The new slag press, which has already been placed on order, has twice the capacity of today's equipment and will help consolidate our position as a leading player for rolled and recycled aluminium products,” Endresen concluded.