Green or low-carbon aluminium has no single legal definition; it describes metal whose production emissions are lower than typical. Two main routes exist. Primary smelting powered by hydro, solar or other low-carbon electricity cuts the largest emission source, which is power for electrolysis. Recycled aluminium made by remelting scrap is commonly cited as needing about 5% of the energy of primary production. Producers back claims with carbon footprint figures per tonne, often third-party verified.
Why it matters when buying
- Export customers, especially in the EU, increasingly ask for emissions data and recycled content because of CBAM and their own ESG targets.
- Ask what is being claimed: scope of emissions, calculation method, recycled content % (pre- or post-consumer) and who verified it.
- Avoid vague labels; request documentation tied to the specific lot or supply period.
- Recycled-content claims depend on traceable scrap sourcing, which the supply chain needs to document.
Notes
Domestic buyers in India are also starting to set recycled-content targets. See CBAM and green aluminium and the parent marketplace for recyclables, Recyclaro. Compare with primary aluminium.