What happens to it?

The Aluminium Loop

Aluminium lids, aluminium foil, aluminium trays and aluminium cans are all classified as lightweight packaging which is disposed of via the yellow bin by environmentally conscious consumers. Aluminium is an outstanding example of recycling without quality losses. This means that the material ratio of input used material to output new products is one to one. In addition, the recovery of aluminium needs only five percent of the energy that would otherwise be required for primary production.

In the sorting plant, aluminium packaging is separated from the other materials and pressed into bales suitable for transport. In the recycling plant, the aluminium is subsequently shredded and any impurities are removed with magnets.

Following thermal pre-treatment, the lightweight material is smelted and cast into ingots. These ingots are used, for instance, to produce new packaging, car body parts or aluminium frames for windows and doors.