Novelis to expand recycling capacity in Brazil
Novelis, the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminium, is set to invest approximately $32 million to expand recycling capacity at its aluminium rolling and recycling complex in Pindamonhangaba, Brazil.
The investment is in addition to a $300-million rolling mill expansion currently under way at the plant and a further $30 million invested over the past two years to expand recycling capacity and establish a network of used can collection centres within the country.
“These back-to-back investments totalling more than $360 million respond to two major strategic initiatives for Novelis – expand our production capacity in emerging global markets and reduce our carbon footprint through increased recycling,” says Phil Martens, president and chief executive officer for Novelis.
“We recently established an ambitious goal to increase the recycled content of our products to 80% by 2020 from the current 33%. Investments such as this are an important part of our plan to get there.”
The expansion will include a state-of-the-art recycling line that will nearly double the plant’s capacity to recycle used beverage cans and other aluminium scrap from 200,000 metric tons per year to 390,000 tons per year. The new line, which is expected to come on stream in late 2013, will help to ensure metal supply for the plant’s rolling mills while reducing operating costs and delivering environmental benefits. Aluminium recycling uses only 5% of the energy and greenhouse gas emissions required to produce primary aluminium.
“Novelis is the leading producer of flat rolled aluminium products in South America and the largest recycler of beverage cans,” adds Marco Palmieri, senior vice president of Novelis and president, Novelis South America. “Novelis has had a long, successful history in Brazil and these investments are further evidence of our commitment to strengthen our market leadership in the region.”
