Aluminum maker Constellium SE is in the advanced planning stages of an investment to increase its recycling capacity in Europe. This project will be focused on using recycled material to provide slabs for Constellium’s automotive and packaging businesses in Europe.

This strategic initiative is expected to add a minimum of 60 kt of annual capacity to Constellium’s current recycling footprint, which is already one of the largest in the world.

We already benefit from the inherently sustainable aspects of aluminum, including its strength, its light weight, and its infinite recyclability. An investment in expanding our recycling capacity is a strong demonstration of our commitment to sustainability. I expect this will be a meaningful contributor to both our financial and ESG objectives over time.

Furthermore, aluminum is at the epicenter of several sustainability mega-trends across our packaging, automotive, and transportation end markets. As a result, our customers are increasingly demanding products that are sustainably and responsibly produced. We expect this investment will provide opportunities for Constellium to expand its low-carbon product offerings to meet customer needs.

—Jean-Marc Germain, Constellium CEO

The inherently sustainable attributes of aluminum are driving increased demand for the advanced aluminum solutions produced by Constellium. In packaging, aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage containers, infinitely reborn in a “closed loop” process that has them back on the shelf in 60 days. In automotive and transportation, aluminum helps advance greener mobility by improving fuel economy, reducing CO2 emissions, increasing electric vehicle range, and improving safety.

Recycling scrap is critical to the aluminum life cycle. Using scrap reduces the need for primary aluminum and therefore minimizes waste, avoids resource depletion, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions across a product’s life cycle. Aluminum is infinitely and easily recyclable, with 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today. Using scrap aluminum is also more energy efficient and has a lower environmental impact than primary aluminum. Recycling scrap requires only 5% of the energy used to produce primary metal and delivers up to 95% in CO₂ savings when compared to virgin material.

Constellium expects to finalize the scope and location of the project by the end of 2021, which will be dependent upon finalizing engineering and obtaining required permits. Start of production is expected to begin within two years of when construction begins. Constellium will provide regular updates on this important strategic initiative.