In a significant move toward enhancing sustainability in aluminium production, Hydro has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art recycling plant in Szekesfehervar, Hungary.
With an impressive annual capacity of 90,000 tonnes, this facility is poised to serve primarily the automotive sector, which increasingly demands low-carbon and recycled aluminium solutions.
The new plant will initially process 15,000 tonnes of post-consumer scrap each year, with plans to scale operations in response to rising customer needs for recycled materials. Hydro’s President and CEO, Eivind Kallevik, emphasizes the importance of this development, stating, “Our most ambitious customers in key industries like the automotive industry are pushing demand for low-carbon and recycled aluminium upwards.” This proactive approach reflects Hydro’s commitment to becoming a leading provider of sustainable aluminium solutions in Europe, with substantial capacity growth projected towards 2030.
Nestled adjacent to Hydro’s advanced aluminium extrusion plant in Szekesfehervar, which boasts six presses and extensive fabrication and surface treatment capabilities, the recycling facility will play a crucial role in promoting circularity in production. The extrusion plant, primarily catering to the automotive sector, will channel production scrap directly into the new recycling plant. This streamlining means that within days, re-created aluminium can be extruded into new car parts, effectively closing the loop on the manufacturing process.
Paul Warton, Executive Vice President of Hydro Extrusions, underscores the significance of this integration: “Our customers are not only asking for recycled and low-carbon aluminium. They also need us to recycle their process scrap, so we can create closed loops.” This innovative approach ensures that Hydro can meet the dual demands for sustainable materials while actively contributing to the circular economy.
The journey towards establishing this recycling facility has not been easy. Warton acknowledges the dedication and hard work of the project team since the investment decision was made in December 2021. Their commitment to maintaining the highest quality and safety standards throughout the process is commendable and reflects Hydro’s overall ethos of excellence.
The Szekesfehervar extrusion plant itself is set to enhance its capabilities further with the addition of a new extrusion press for automotive products, scheduled to commence production in 2025. In addition to this facility, Hydro’s recycling network will encompass 34 locations across Europe and the Americas, with a staggering capacity exceeding 2.3 million tonnes of aluminium annually.
This commitment to recycling is not confined to Hungary alone; Hydro is also planning a greenfield aluminium recycling plant in Spain that will bolster its capacity by another 120,000 tonnes, further solidifying its leadership in sustainable practices.
In conclusion, as the automotive industry increasingly prioritizes sustainability, Hydro’s new aluminium recycling plant in Szekesfehervar represents a significant step forward. By responding to customer demands for recycled aluminium and fostering closed-loop processes, Hydro is setting new standards in low-carbon aluminium production. As they continue to expand their capabilities, Hydro is not only reinforcing their position as an industry leader but also paving the way for a more sustainable future in aluminium manufacturing.
Source:Hydro with additional information added by GlassBalkan
