UK-based specialist Aluminium Shapes has announced the launch of Ali4, a new low-carbon aluminium billet designed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of aluminium extrusion without compromising performance, quality, or durability.

The new Ali4 billet represents a major step forward in sustainable aluminium production. From January 2026, all aluminium supplied by Aluminium Shapes will be extruded exclusively using LCR4 Billet, a certified low-carbon material with a maximum carbon footprint of just 4 kg CO₂e per kilogram of aluminium. This marks a 73% reduction compared to the current global average carbon footprint of aluminium billet, which stands at approximately 14.8 kg CO₂e per kilogram.

Ali4 is manufactured using a carefully balanced material composition, consisting of approximately 30% prime raw aluminium, with the remaining content derived from recycled scrap and post-consumer, end-of-life aluminium. This approach significantly lowers emissions while maintaining the mechanical strength and longevity required for demanding architectural, industrial, and component applications.

According to Aluminium Shapes, the development of Ali4 responds directly to growing market demand for environmentally responsible materials, as manufacturers and specifiers increasingly align with the industry’s Net Zero 2050 objectives. In addition to the material’s reduced carbon footprint, sourcing the billet within the UK further limits emissions associated with transportation and logistics.

Ali4 will become the standard billet for all Aluminium Shapes extrusion processes from 2026 onward. The company confirms that full certification and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) documentation will be available upon request, supporting transparency and compliance for sustainability-focused projects.

By adopting Ali4, businesses using aluminium systems and components gain a practical pathway to substantially reduce their product carbon footprint, without altering design intent, quality standards, or long-term performance.