ABSTRACT
The potential energy-saving characteristics of the metal in action are also important in many industries, particularly transport and packaging. It can be shown, according to figures published within the aluminium industry, that in many applications the energy savings through using aluminium products are greater than the additional energy required initially to make an aluminium product, rather than a steel one. The conversion of scrap aluminium back into reusable high-grade metal requires only 5 per cent of the energy needed to make the same weight of virgin metal. So recycling aluminium is assuming a greater importance than in less energy-conscious times and the high recycle value of aluminium has become an important ‘plus’ factor in material-selection decisions and is likely to assume even greater significance in the future. The positive energy equation works to aluminium’s advantage across a wide range of industries and is reinforced by the energy savings obtained by recycling aluminium.
