The Aluminium Effect

A Unique Metal with Unique Properties

We are moving into a low carbon economy. New business models, IT innovation, decentralized governance, and energy efficiency are some of the keywords that are re-defining our societies. Aluminium is playing a fundamental role to drive this transformation thanks to what we call “Aluminium Effect”. Aluminium has a broad range of unique properties that contributes to building a new society based on low carbon products, lighter cars, energy efficient-buildings and recycling.

Today, aluminium is the second most widely used metal in the world. This is because aluminium has a unique combination of attractive properties and effects that can be summarised as follows:

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Corrosion free and durable: Aluminium develops a natural oxide layer, protecting it against corrosion and making it virtually maintenance free. This makes aluminium the ideal material for packaging, building and vehicles and transport.

Light yet strong: Despite its relatively low weight, aluminium has a remarkable strength to weight ratio. As an alloy, aluminium offers similar performance to advanced steels and titanium.

Energy saving: Aluminium’s unique properties allow for significant energy savings in many applications; for example in vehicles and buildings. In addition, recycled aluminium is highly energy efficient, using only 5% of the energy of primary production.

This video illustrates the infinite recyclability of valuable aluminium at the end of products' (often long) lives.

High versatility: Aluminium is not only light; it has a low melting point and is highly ductile. This makes it easy to work with, shape and join adding to its versatility.

Total barrier: Aluminium can be rolled extremely thinly – less than 100th of a millimetre – while remaining completely impermeable to light, odour and contamination. This makes it the ideal material for packing food, pharmaceuticals and other sensitive products.

Despite its relatively low weight, aluminium has a remarkable strength to weight ratio. Watch this video to find out more.