New White Paper Released: Recycling Of Anodized Aluminum

The Aluminum Anodizers Council (AAC) asserts that recycling efforts can be maximized by choosing aluminum, which can be infinitely recycled without degradation of its properties, and anodized aluminum is just as recyclable as the metal alone.[1] AAC states that, “Recyclability is unaltered by anodizing and no intermediate processing is needed for anodized metal to reenter the recycle chain, unlike thicker organic or plated metallic coatings. Anodized aluminum is the environmentally sound choice for various applications.” Further, that, “The anodized surface is very hard and thus preserves and extends the life of the aluminum product.”

One of the greatest environmental advantages of aluminum is its tremendous recyclability. According to data from the Aluminum Association and the International Aluminum Institute (IAI), about one-third of all aluminum produced in the U.S. and Canada today is from recycled sources. This recycled aluminum requires about 95 percent less energy required to produce aluminum compared to raw materials. The longevity of aluminum speaks for itself with some 75 percent of all aluminum ever produced still being used today.

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