Constellium plans to expand European recycling capacity

Constellium SE, an aluminum producer with headquarters in Paris, has announced that it is planning an investment to increase its recycling capacity in Europe. According to a news release from the company, the project will use recycled material to provide slabs for Constellium’s automotive and packaging businesses in Europe. The company says it expects to add a minimum of 60,000 metric tons of annual capacity to its current recycling footprint.

"We already benefit from the inherently sustainable aspects of aluminum, including its strength, its light-weight and its infinite recyclability,” Constellium CEO Jean-Marc Germain says. “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 (environmental, social and corporate governance) objectives over time.”

He adds that several sustainability “mega-trends” in the packaging, automotive and transportation markets revolve around aluminum. “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.”

The inherently sustainable attributes of aluminum are driving increased demand for Constellium’s products, according to the company. In packaging, aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage containers, while in automotive and transportation, the material helps advance greener mobility by improving fuel economy, reducing CO₂ emissions and increasing electric vehicle range.

Constellium says it 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. The facility is expected to begin production within two years of when construction begins.