Hydro adds scrap to primary aluminum recipes

Norway-based Hydro says it is exploring new ways to use obsolete aluminum scrap “directly within the primary production process” at its Norwegian smelters. The firm says its smelter in Høyanger, Norway, is serving as a pilot location for the project.

“Following this verification [in Høyanger], we aspire to apply this approach across our Norwegian smelters – with an initial ambition of adding 10 percent to our total primary production in Norway through postconsumer scrap,” says Ola Sæter, the firm’s head of primary production.

Sæter adds, “This would enable us to offer our most climate-conscious customers a new and improved alternative in their sustainability efforts.”

The company says that since its aluminum production in Norway is based on renewable hydro power, its average CO₂ emissions are currently 25 percent of the global average and are available to customers as Hydro Reduxa certified low-carbon primary aluminum. “The introduction of postconsumer scrap in the production process of primary aluminum would improve its climate performance even further,” states the company.

“In Norway we do have the competence, skills and deep technological understanding necessary to be a leader within our global industry, driving the development of circular solutions for the circular economy and combining profitability and sustainability,” says Sæter.

Hydro says that from its network of recyclers, it already produces Hydro Circal with what it calls a guaranteed content of at least 75 percent recycled, postconsumer aluminum scrap.

Norway-based Hydro says it is exploring new ways to use obsolete aluminum scrap “directly within the primary production process” at its Norwegian smelters. The firm says its smelter in Høyanger, Norway, is serving as a pilot location for the project.