Unlike some other materials used in fenestration, recycling of aluminium is not a new science, we have been recycling aluminium for decades. In 1990 global use of aluminium was around 28 million tonnes with over 8 million tonnes recycled from scrap. Today's demand for aluminium stands at 45 million tonnes with over one third being from recycled scrap. Of the 15 million tonnes of scrap recycled today over 50% is from 'end of use' products. For some of you old enough to remember in the 1960's as children we were collecting aluminium foil milk bottle tops to boost charity funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind.
The key facts - "aluminium can be recycled for as little as 5% of the energy needed to produce it from the earth's plentiful resource of raw material, bauxite", "there is no loss of quality once recycled so aluminium can be recycled many times over" and "aluminium is non-hazardous, non-flammable and has one of the highest strengths to weight ratios of metals we know of". With today's high performance thermal breaks, a 'BFRC' Class 'A' thermal performance window is not just a future possibility, but a well recognised product from several systems suppliers.
More specifiers and consumers are appreciating the benefits of aluminium and switching to this long lasting material which continues to have a recycling value once its current product life is over. Recovery of aluminium from recently demolished structures can be up to 98% which, by virtue of its value, reduces the cost of demolition.
The International Aluminium Institute, based in London, has pioneered the 'Aluminium for Future Generations' initiative which is covered in the document, copies of which can be found at the CAB website www.c-a-b.org.uk under technical information.