ADC12: EV時代とエネルギー高騰の戦略素材 — 未来の産業を鋳造するアルミニウムのヒーロー SO OK TRADINGによる記事 ｜ 2026年3月27日

Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. Approximately 75% of aluminium ever produced is still in use today as it can be recycled endlessly without compromising any of its unique properties or quality. Aluminium’s lifecycle provides significant benefits through recycling, saving 95% of the energy it would take to make new aluminium metal. More information on recycling may be found here. Recycling aluminium has five steps: Step 1: Collecting Scrap There are two categories of aluminium scrap: New Scrap New Scrap is surplus material that arises during the manufacture and fabrication of aluminium products, up to the point where they are sold to the final consumer. For example, off cuts of aluminium sheet or extrusions are considered new scrap. Sometimes, this new scrap can be safely recycled by aluminium smelters as its composition is known. Old Scrap Old Scrap is material that has been used by the consumer and subsequently discarded. For example, used beverage cans, window frames, electrical cabling and car cylinder heads are all considered old scrap. Aluminium smelters are unable to safely accept this old scrap as its composition is usually unknown and it can be contaminated. Scrap aluminium is also collected from the community – from households, scrap merchants, local and regional authorities, etc. Step 2: Sorting Scrap The scrap is then sorted – grouping all coated (painted or lacquered) aluminium together, and grouping all uncoated aluminium together. Paper, plastic and other non-aluminium recycling needs to be removed. Step 3: Crushing The sorted aluminium is then crushed into bales – by compacting the aluminium scrap, it reduces freight, storage and handling costs Step 4: Remelting Uncoated scrap is loaded directly into a large furnace called a remelter, where it is heated at high temperatures and turned into molten form. If the scrap aluminium is coated, it is processed through a gas fired rotary furnace to remove any coating and then transferred to the remelter. Step 5: Casting The molten aluminium is cast at a temperature of just over 700°C to form ingots

世界通貨戦争：ドル強勢―バーツ下落、しかしタイは均衡を失わず

Aluminum and copper scrap are vital for new products, with aluminum used in lightweight automotive/aerospace parts, packaging (cans), and construction (siding, windows) for its strength-to-weight ratio, while copper excels in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics due to its superior conductivity and corrosion resistance, with both metals significantly reducing energy and resources compared to virgin material. Aluminum Scrap Usage Transportation: Car parts, airplane components, trains (reducing weight for fuel efficiency). Packaging: Beverage cans, foil, food containers (lightweight, non-toxic). Construction: Window frames, roofing, siding, structural elements. Electronics: Casings, heat sinks. Copper Scrap Usage Electrical: Wiring (household, industrial), motors, generators, transformers (best conductor). Plumbing: Pipes, fittings (corrosion-resistant). Electronics & Renewables: Circuit boards, solar panels, wind turbines, EVs (high demand). Industrial: Machinery, heat exchangers, decorative items (as brass). Key Benefits of Recycling Both Energy Savings: Significantly less energy needed than mining new ore. Resource Conservation: Reduces mining impact and conserves natural resources like bauxite. Circular Economy: Creates a sustainable loop, especially crucial for growing green tech demand.