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International Report on Environmental Advantages of Automotive Aluminum

15 June 1999

Aluminum Industry Release International Report on Environmental Advantages of Automotive Aluminum

    YPSILANTI, Mich., June 14 -- The Aluminum Association today
released a detailed report which documents the positive contributions that
automotive aluminum has on the environment, in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions. The report was presented at the "EnV'99 Alternative Fuels
Conferences and Exposition," in Ypsilanti, MI, by Steve Pomper, director,
environment, Alcan Aluminium Limited.
    Highlights of the report, which was produced by the International Primary
Aluminium Institute (IPAI), include the following:

    * Approximately 6.7 kilograms of CO2  equivalents are generated to produce
      each kilogram of auto aluminum at today's recycle content levels;
    * Each kilogram of automotive aluminum replacing heavier automotive
      materials can save a net 20 kilograms of CO2 equivalents, due mainly to
      the efficiencies of lightweighting;
    * Recovering and re -- melting aluminum automotive scrap saves 95% of the
      greenhouse gas emissions associated with primary ingot production; and
    * These estimates are applicable on a worldwide basis.

    The data on primary aluminum was derived from independent and
comprehensive studies of bauxite mining, refining, smelting, and ingot casting
from the European Aluminium Association (EAA), the Aluminum Association (AA),
and the Australian Aluminium Council.   Each of these studies were reviewed by
external life cycle experts and are in agreement with current and emerging
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for life cycle
inventory assessments.
    Copies of an executive summary and the complete report are available by
contacting The Aluminum Association at (202) 862-5134.
    The IPAI is the global forum of primary aluminium producers dedicated to
the development and wider use of aluminium as a competitive and uniquely
valuable material. The IPAI in all its activities supports the concept that
aluminium is a material that lends itself to improving world living standards
and developing a better and sustainable world environment. The IPAI currently
has 28 Member companies with operations in a total of 23 countries. At present
the membership is responsible for around 60% of world primary aluminium
production.
    The Aluminum Association, based in Washington, DC, represents U.S.
producers of primary and secondary aluminum, as well as semi-fabricated
products.  Member companies operate approximately 200 plants in 35 states.
    For more information, please contact Jane Lichter, 202-862-5163, or John
Fitzpatrick 202-289-2001, both for the Aluminum Association.  Web site:
http://www.autoaluminum.org.