After investing in durable paints, BMW Group continues its activities for reduce CO2 emissions in its supply chain, focusing on CO2-emitting materials such as aluminum, steel and plastic.

“We have clear targets for reducing CO₂ emissions in the supply chain. By using innovative materials, we can reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of our cars – even before we hand them over to our customers. The low-carbon aluminum supply agreement is based on several pillars: in addition to hydroelectricity and a high percentage of recycled materials, we also want to lead the automotive industry by increasing the use of CO2-free aluminum during the smelting process. » – says Joachim Post, BMW Purchasing and Supplier Network Manager.

Stronger aluminum in future BMW and Mini

In this context, from 2024reports the BMW Group strong aluminum with low CO2 emissions in Canada, with Rio Tinto hydroelectric plants: a memorandum of understanding was signed to this end.

This approach allows reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 70% compared to traditional aluminum. This aluminum will be used to build vehicles at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA, and will be found in body parts such as hoods.

Aluminum is the material of choice in the production of BMW Group components: it is chosen for its relatively low weight and other advantages. To create a 100% electric mid-size car, about 25% of the CO2 emissions come from aluminum. By focusing on a more sustainable supply of aluminum, BMW will gain huge CO2 reduction potential for its production chain.

BMW Group: innovative aluminum production

To make aluminum stronger, Elysis technology transforms the smelting process with an innovative application method carbonless anodes, which eliminate all process-related CO2 emissions. This process has been successfully tested industrially since 2021, and it will be BMWone of the first manufacturers to use this technology in its production line.

BMW also benefits from aluminum alloys produced using electricity renewable energy sources, whose CO2 emissions are only a third of the industry average. In Quebec, aluminum companies run almost exclusively on electricity from six local hydroelectric plants. Recycled content will be mixed into the final product, reaching up to 50% recycled content.

Thanks to Rio Tinto’s blockchain technology, aluminum is fully traceable back to the bauxite mine of origin. This transparency in the supply chain ensures compliance with environmental and social standards for the extraction of raw materials.