Novelis Inc, a US-based aluminium solutions provider, has today (6 October) launched operations of its closed-loop-recycling partnership with Smart Press Shop (SPS), a joint venture between Porsche AG and Schuler Group.
SPS aims to produce high-quality, sustainable, and efficiently produced components for automotive exteriors, such as door panels and hood skins. It forms part of initiatives within the automotive sector to achieve carbon reduction goals, of which recycling plays a central part.
Novelis will supply aluminium flat rolled products from its plant in Nachterstedt, Germany to the SPS, to then bring production scrap generated during SPS’ manufacturing process back to Nachterstedt. The scrap is then recycled and converted into a new, high-quality rolled sheet, which is then returned to SPS and re-enters the production loop, to make sustainable lightweight automotive body parts.
Compared to producing virgin aluminium, recycling the metal requires 95 per cent less energy, with a similar saving on CO2 emissions. As a result, the partnership is predicted to reduce carbon emissions by up to 100,000 tons per year.
SPA uses digitised processes and laser-cutting technology in its manufacturing. Due to the proximity of its plant in Halle, Germany, to Novelis’ Nachterstedt Recycling Centre, the project’s sustainability is furthered by the reduced transport times.
Michael Hahne, Vice President of Automotive at Novelis Europe, said: “SPS and Novelis are ideal partners to advance the automotive industry closer to achieving the standards of a circular economy through sustainable material sourcing and production.
“At Novelis, we have a remarkable story to tell about our closed-loop-recycling innovations. From our objective of achieving zero waste-to-landfills to becoming carbon neutral, we take our responsibility as a global sustainability leader very seriously and look forward to all that we can achieve with SPS.”
SPS’ Managing Director, Hendrik Rothe, added: “High-end car customers have a clear vision of what they expect manufacturers to provide, and in addition to premium quality, sustainability is playing an increasing role.
“With our partner Novelis, we are able to take intelligent automotive designs and manufacturing to new heights by making more efficient, sustainable automotive components and increasing the resiliency of our supply chain.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.