Low carbon aluminium goes digital

Louise Davis

Materials search engine Matmatch has partnered with global aluminium producer Rusal to offer materials data on its range of products, including the Allow brand of low carbon footprint aluminium.

Many European countries have set targets to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Similarly, consumers and businesses are demanding products with a low environmental impact, so choosing materials that are sustainably sourced, have long product lifecycles and are recyclable is key.

Although all aluminium is recyclable, Allow aluminium further enables customers to contribute to their low-carbon targets as it is made from renewable hydropower. Consequently, it allows customers to deliver products with a lower carbon footprint. It also has the benefit of being traceable to a single smelter and is third party verified.

“As materials specialists, we have a responsibility to consider the environmental impacts and carbon footprints of the materials we source, supply and use,” explained Melissa Albeck, CEO of Matmatch. “We hope to encourage design engineers to make environmentally-friendly materials choices by providing clear, standardised materials data.

“Each design engineering project has specific considerations including cost, performance and feasibility. This also needs to be balanced with environmental concerns. Companies such as Rusal that produce lower-carbon and recyclable materials are vital in helping engineers manage these concerns without sacrificing performance characteristics.”

Ben Smye from Matmatch shares his thoughts on 3D printing materials here

 

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