Introduction
Earth is believed to be the only planet in the whole universe with all the necessary elements that are needed to sustain life. Even so, we have now come to realize that our planet is not an unlimited source of inexhaustible resources. In the present times, sustainability is a necessary aspect. No single definition can fully explain the term, but it is a property that every organization in the world aspires to achieve. Sustainability is the ability to exist constantly, and it is more about practical applications and their success than theoretical definitions.
Sustainability mainly emphasizes meeting present day demands in a way that does not compromise the ability to meet the needs of future generations. The exploitation of resources, the direction of investments, the orientation of technological development and institutional changes should all be in harmony with the biosphere. It can basically be regarded as:
- Social progress that recognizes everyone’s need.
- Environmental protection and sustainable use of the natural resources.
- To maintain high levels of economic growth.
- To also maintain high levels in the growth of employment.
The progress towards sustainability can be monitored using appropriate indicators. The indicators can be decided considering the various stakeholders like the aluminium industry, employees, suppliers and customers.
Aluminium Sustainability
Aluminium can be justified as the most abundant, durable and versatile metal. It can also be considered a green metal due to its properties of recyclability, availability, formability and versatility of applications. Over the past decades awareness has grown regarding the massive role of the industrial sector in using up natural resources. Aluminium is a considerable ally in the fight against waste, energy consumption and environmental damage.
Due to its various properties it is the most widely used non-ferrous metal in the world. It is light in weight, corrosion resistant, recyclable, formable, possesses a high lifecycle and is a good conductor. Aluminium can easily be extracted from bauxite, and around 50% of the electricity used to produce primary aluminium worldwide comes from environmentally friendly, non-polluting generating resources.
Recycling
Aluminium is easily and economically recycled. There is an energy saving of 95% in the production of secondary aluminium compared to primary metal, so the energy spent in primary production is not lost. About 75% of the aluminium produced since industrial output began in the late 19th century is still in use today.
Aluminium today is used in so many sectors — the automotive industry, packaging, building and construction — because of the positive effects it offers the environment. Aluminium can therefore be considered a major stakeholder in sustainability.