Aluminium; waste and scrap

HS code 760200 covers the trade of aluminium waste and scrap. This industry plays a crucial role in the global aluminium supply chain, as the recycling and reuse of aluminium products helps to conserve natural resources and reduce energy consumption in primary aluminium production. Aluminium waste and scrap are valuable commodities that are in high demand, particularly in countries with a strong manufacturing base and a focus on sustainability.

The main production techniques involved in the aluminium waste and scrap industry include collection, sorting, and processing. Aluminium scrap is gathered from various sources, such as construction sites, automotive dismantlers, and consumer waste. The scrap is then sorted by alloy type and purity, and processed through shredding, melting, and casting to produce new aluminium ingots or other intermediate products.

The key inputs required for the aluminium waste and scrap industry include the collection and transportation of aluminium-containing materials, as well as the machinery and equipment needed for sorting, shredding, and melting the scrap. Energy, in the form of electricity or natural gas, is also a significant input for the smelting and casting processes. Additionally, the industry relies on a skilled workforce to operate the various processing equipment and ensure the quality of the final products.

The main outputs of the aluminium waste and scrap industry are recycled aluminium ingots, which can be used as a raw material for the production of a wide range of aluminium products. These include 760110 Aluminium; unwrought, not alloyed, 760120 Aluminium; unwrought, alloyed, and various 760200 Aluminium; waste and scrap products. The recycled aluminium is often used in the manufacturing of 760410 Aluminium; bars, rods and profiles, 760511 Aluminium; wire, not alloyed, and 760711 Aluminium; foil, not backed, rolled but not further worked, among other aluminium-based goods.