Aluminium used in buildings, window frames, cladding often remains in place for 40–80 years. But what happens when the building is demolished? Proper collection and recycling of these long-life aluminium components is key to a true circular economy.
Recyclable Forever: Aluminium doesn't degrade in quality after recycling making it ideal for reuse.
Energy-Saving: Recycling requires only 5% of the energy used to produce primary aluminium.
Economic Value: Even at demolition, aluminium retains high scrap value, creating financial incentive for collection.
To unlock this value, a few systems must be in place:
Selective Dismantling during demolition (instead of destructive methods)
Scrap Sorting Standards to separate coated or composite materials
Digital Material Passports for traceability of components and alloys
Avoiding landfills: Proper collection reduces waste and CO₂ emissions.
Supporting EU Green Deal goals by maximizing resource efficiency in the built environment.
Encourage architects to design for disassembly
Educate demolition contractors on aluminium value chains
Invest in urban mining technologies and smart scrap logistics
At TLG Materials, we advocate for smarter aluminium lifecycle practices. Whether you need aluminium products with a clear end-of-life plan or want to learn more about circular supply chains, our team is here to support your sustainability goals.
Let’s close the loop together. Contact us today to discuss recyclable aluminium solutions for your next project.