Aluminium has been described as the “material of the future” and more and more companies are realising the obvious benefits of using it thanks to its unique and unbeatable combination of properties.
Aluminium Properties:
- High strength to weight ratio
- Good electrical and thermal conductivity
- Durable
- Excellent formability
- Good resistance to corrosion
- Attractive surface finish
- Excellent light and heat reflector
- Fireproof
- Low maintenance
- Easy and economic to recycle
- Non toxic
Aluminium is also one of the most environmentally friendly metals in use today which is why it is often referred to as the “green metal”. One of the major advantages of aluminium is that it is infinitely recyclable and because of this 70% of aluminium which has ever been produced is still in use.
Its recyclability is a characteristic that can be designed into any product, regardless of its use. What starts as the bumper of a car, can, in another life, become a ladder or garden chair.
A significant benefit of recycling is that it requires only 5% of the energy used to produce primary aluminium therefore significantly reducing environmental impact. Unlike many other materials, aluminium’s properties when it is recycled are no different to that of the primary metal.