Ball secures ultra-low carbon aluminum through Russian EN+ Group partnership
08 Jul 2021 --- Ball is partnering with EN+ Group’s Metals segment to incorporate ultra-low carbon aluminum in its slugs and impact extruded containers.
The aluminum produced by EN+’s Metals segment uses state-of-the-art inert anode technology and renewable energy-based smelting, which generates 85 percent fewer carbon emissions compared to the global average for aluminum production.
Ball has already reduced the environmental footprint of its aluminum slugs and impact extruded containers through its ReAI technology. Initially cutting the weight of aerosol cans by 11 percent, today’s ReAI cans are 15 percent lighter.
Carbon emission reductions through the platform, which Ball estimates at roughly 12 percent, have been achieved through a combination of recycled content and lightweighting.
Ball is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.The corporation says its partnership with EN+ marks another advance in its quest for carbon neutrality and circular economy.
“With an increasing demand for aluminum packaging around the world, we need to focus on mitigating any environmental, social and governance impacts related to that supply,” says Jason Galley, senior director for sustainability, innovation and business development at Ball.
“This is why we collaborate closely with suppliers such as EN+’s Metals segment to achieve responsible sourcing.”
Reducing aluminum emissions
The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of primary aluminum can be reduced in several ways. For example, using renewable electricity supplies for the smelting process and a novel inert anode technology that produces oxygen instead of the traditional carbon anode that produces CO2.
EN+’s Metals segment aluminum is produced in a smelter in Kraznoyarsk, Russia, which the company indicates meets all the characteristics of GHG slashing production techniques.
The smelter uses renewable, hydroelectric power. It also uses an inert anode technology. This system produces an 85 percent emissions reduction.
“Our ambition is to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation in aluminum packaging, together with partners like EN+ Metals segment. Ultra-low-carbon aluminum is one of several levers that Ball uses to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of its aluminum slugs, cans and bottles,” says Sylvain Brisseau, vice president of Ball Aluminium Technologies.
New targets
The partnership announcement comes following Ball’s recently updated environmental sustainability targets, including a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions before 2050 and transitioning to 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030.
The corporation has also said it will ensure all aluminum is purchased from certified sustainable sources and convert 80 percent of its global beverage can volumes to its lightweight STARcan designs.
Edited
By Louis Gore-Langton
