Recycling Aluminum Extrusions

Recycling Aluminum Extrusions

Aluminum is increasingly popular in building and construction projects due to its ideal combination of qualities: it’s lightweight, cost-effective, durable, and sustainable. Its recyclability and reusability make it a top choice for eco-friendly projects, as aluminum can be reused across numerous applications without losing its integrity.

Why Recycle Aluminum?

Recycling aluminum is an environmentally responsible way to repurpose unwanted metal scraps, significantly reducing the demand for newly manufactured aluminum. According to the Aluminum Extruders Council (AEC), “73% of all the aluminum ever produced is still in use today.” During deconstruction, aluminum can be extracted for scrap value, avoiding landfills and minimizing environmental impact.

Why Reuse Aluminum?

Recycled aluminum is both eco-friendly and cost-efficient, yet it matches primary aluminum in durability, strength, and longevity. A study by Delft University of Technology, cited by the AEC, found aluminum recovery rates at building demolition sites in six European countries ranged from 90% to 98%. The study concluded that “Recycling aluminum from demolished or deconstructed buildings [is] economically viable, environmentally sound, and significantly contributes to resource sustainability for future generations.”

By choosing aluminum, builders and designers can contribute to greener practices, reduce costs, and ensure long-term sustainability in their projects.