The endless recycling capacity of aluminum is a remarkable advantage
of the aluminum industry in the environmental, economic and social
aspects. The reutilization is conducted both using production process
scrap and using scrap generated by discarded products.
Gains start
with the raw material. The production of one ton of aluminum requires
five ton of bauxite. In 2004, the recycling of 270 thousand ton of
aluminum generated savings of 1.3 million ton of bauxite. Recycling
also represents environmental protection and savings of natural resources,
with lower pollutant emissions into nature. When recycled aluminum replaces
primary aluminum in the production process, there is less formation of solid
wastes.
Another positive item regarding recycling is the energy saving
resulting from the process. In 2004, recycling provided for savings around 3900
GWh/year, that is, 1% of all the power produced in the country, sufficient
to meet the annual demand of the entire industrial sector of the city of São
Paulo.
Aluminum recycling has already reached 1/3 of the world demand, becoming a
partner in sustainable development. Its production
is an investment both for the future generations and for the protection
of natural resources.
Recognized for its ecologic benefits, recycling
is an activity where aluminum presents a unique combination of advantages
in addition to environmental protection, such as, savings of natural
resources, income generation for poor populations and an important source
of supply.
Recycling is one of the most important qualities of aluminum. Any object
made of the metal can be recycled endlessly, with no loss of quality.
In addition to cans, household utensils, consumer goods, window frames,
automotive components and other uses, can also be cast to be used again
and again in the manufacturing of similar or different products. In
addition to generating jobs and income, recycling has an important role
in meeting society's demands for objectives focusing on environmental education.
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