We, all the members of AL Circle, wish you a Happy World Earth Day.
The Earth has been around for 4.5 billion years. Earth Day? Just 55 as of April 22, 2025. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” unites people in over 19+ countries to raise awareness of environmental issues and spark action to protect our home. Consider this your friendly reminder to don your eco-cape and step up your Mother Earth duties today and every day!
Image credit: Noah Buscher
A Little Backstory
Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 when industrialisation was at its peak, with the rising concern about industries emitting sludge and smoke, without adhering to the consequences. Moreover, the day came into a fit after a massive oil spill took place in California.
Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin, also known as the father of Earth Day, thought a day should be dedicated to activism and education.
With this viewpoint, Mr Nelson partnered with another activist, namely, Denis Hayes, to organise demonstrations and rallies across the United States. When Earth Day was celebrated for the first time, over 20 million people participated and also demanded a healthier environment.
Aluminium: A Sustainable Metal
Earth Day would be significantly incomplete without providing a tribute to the green metal, which is emerging in almost every industrial and consumer application, Aluminium. But why aluminium over other metals? There are numerous grounds which make aluminium a green choice. Let’s explore them in this blog together so that we can make a difference with green metal in the near future.
Concerning global energy and seeking relevant solutions, aluminium as a metal can be recycled 100% with less energy as compared to other metals, making a significant impact in redefining sustainability across different industries. A little stat-fact, aluminium cans are the most recycled beverage containers, with the rate being 43%. If we compare this with glass and plastic bottles, their recyclability rates are 39.6% and 20%, which is much lower than aluminium.
Whenever we hear about Earth Day and renewable energy together, aluminium is the first metal that comes to mind. Have you ever wondered why we think of aluminium first?
Renewable energy powers aluminium production sustainably, helping to reduce the overall environmental impact. Renewable resources like solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass and wind help to replace fossil fuels, ensuring sustainable aluminium production.
According to the data shared by the World Bank. Aluminium is deemed to account for 85% in terms of solar photovoltaic components. Aluminium made its debut in high-voltage transmission lines in 1945 and acts as the most cost-effective method for transmitting electric power in the current power grids.
Due to its high conductivity-to-weight ratio, the majority of appliances, motors, electric lights and so on highly rely on high-voltage aluminium cables and wires.
Here’s an industry-focused company case study highlighting their historic milestone for making India’s first-ever low-carbon aluminium products, powered with innovation across different sectors.
Did you know that even aluminium production waste, like dross, a byproduct formed during the melting process, can be repurposed sustainably? Instead of letting these valuable leftovers go to waste, industries are finding innovative ways to recycle and reuse them.
Through dedicated surplus platforms, businesses can now buy and sell excess aluminium inventory and byproducts like dross, promoting resource efficiency and reducing landfill burden. It’s a smart, sustainable step toward a more circular aluminium economy.
Within different industries, it is projected that over 6 million tonnes of aluminium foil will be used in 2023. But isn’t aluminium foil used for packing food, only? No!
Within the transportation sector, the demand for aluminium foil is witnessed in lithium-ion batteries because of its lightweight nature and high durability. This is just one sector, there are diverse sectors where foil has made its debut and won in the game of sustainability. Want to know more?
Ever wondered how our pharmaceutical packaging is so different from that of previous generations? No, it’s not only about the shiny look but also because it provides an exceptional ability to protect the inner content. Nonetheless, it also acts as a protective shield against different environmental barriers, like light, oxygen and moisture, eliminating the chance of efficacy and stability. Want to see what else aluminium is up to in packaging?
Isn’t it amazing how one shiny metal can do so much for the planet? Aluminium has some serious green game, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Curious about how this all-rounder is making the world more sustainable now and in the future? Stick around, because we’ve got you covered.
Conclusion
This Earth Day, as we celebrate “Our Power, Our Planet,” aluminium stands out as a true green ally. From its infinite recyclability to its pivotal role in renewable energy, transportation, eco-friendly packaging and whatnot, aluminium proves that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand. By choosing aluminium, we pledge to contribute to a cleaner, greener future, one smart, conscious choice at a time. Let’s continue championing this sustainable metal, not just this Earth Day, but every day.