Aluminium emission factors
Aluminium production is one of the most energy-intensive industrial processes, requiring significant electricity for smelting. The carbon footprint of aluminium varies dramatically depending on whether it is primary (smelted from bauxite ore) or secondary (recycled from scrap). Primary aluminium typically produces 8 to 12 kg CO₂e per kilogram, while recycled aluminium requires roughly 95% less energy.
Why it matters for carbon reporting
For manufacturers and packaging companies, aluminium is often one of the largest contributors to Scope 3 emissions. Specifying recycled aluminium content is one of the highest-leverage procurement decisions a business can make to reduce its product carbon footprint. Understanding the emission factor difference between primary and recycled aluminium is essential for credible carbon reporting.
Practical example
A drinks company using 500 tonnes of aluminium cans per year switches from 30% to 80% recycled content. Using DESNZ emission factors, the change reduces embodied carbon from 4,200 tCO₂e to 1,800 tCO₂e, a 57% reduction in packaging emissions.
How to reduce aluminium emissions
- 1Specify minimum recycled content in procurement contracts
- 2Work with suppliers to verify recycled content claims
- 3Consider material substitution where aluminium is not structurally required
- 4Design products for easy aluminium recovery at end of life
Sample emission factors
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