Mercedes-Benz has just signed a letter of intent with Hydro, a Norwegian aluminum producer supply of green aluminum with very low CO2 emissions, intended for the manufacture of models of the German manufacturer. From next year, the CO2 emissions from aluminum supplied by Hydro will be almost 70% lower than the European average:

“Aluminum is becoming increasingly important as a lightweight material for electric vehicles. We are working intensively with our partners to find levers to reduce CO2 emissions in the aluminum supply chain. That’s why I’m delighted that we’re now joining forces with Hydro, a long-standing expert in renewable energy, to tackle one of the automotive industry’s biggest challenges. This is an important signal to accelerate change in the aluminum industry and increase the availability of low-carbon aluminum.”Markus Schaefer, Director of Technology, Development and Supply of the Mercedes-Benz Group, said on the occasion.

Mercedes: continuation of cooperation with Hydro

Today, Hydro already supplies MercedesAluminum with reduced CO2 content for its foundry in Mettingen, located near Stuttgart, which enables the decarbonization of aluminum used in the production of vehicles. Next year, the Norwegian specialist will supply a new material made of aluminum, which allows reduce CO2 emissions by almost 70%and which equips, among other things, in electric models of the Mercedes-EQ family.

The reduction of CO2 emissions as well as the responsible use of resources in the supply chain are part of the Mercedes “Ambition 2039” plan. The German manufacturer aims to work on the levers to reduce CO2 emissions, as well as reduce the input of raw materials with the help recycled secondary materials.

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Mercedes: reducing CO2 emissions from aluminum

To obtain aluminum with almost zero CO2 emissions, it is necessaryto optimize the process of primary aluminum production, as well as reduction of CO2 emissions in the electrolysis process. This process starts with the production of CO2-optimized aluminum oxide, and Hydro will draw on its many years of experience in this field to help Mercedes achieve its goals.

The use of recycled materials will also play a key role in this drive to decarbonize the production chain. Example, production of aluminum from recycled materials requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum. Mercedes and Hydro are also looking for a solution to implement a closed-loop recycling process.

Mercedes: strong aluminum

Mercedes strives source aluminum responsibly, and is part of the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI), which aims to certify the entire aluminum value chain. This initiative aims to achieve improvements in the areas of human rights, the environment and responsible business management, from the production and use of aluminum to recycling.

Mercedes-Benz and Hydro plan to cooperate improve long-term sustainability, with initiatives for more transparent and inclusive processes, reducing barriers to the participation of mining communities and indigenous peoples. For the German brand, this is a priority in managing human rights risks in raw material supply chains.

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— AutoPlus (@AutoPlusMag) October 18, 2022