Novelis signed a long-term commercial agreement with Velux Group, a global leader in roof windows and skylights, to accelerate decarbonization in the building industry. This strategic partnership will enable Velux roof windows and accessories to be manufactured using flat-rolled aluminum made from over 70% recycled content.
“This agreement with Velux is a catalyst for transformation and we have made significant progress together in developing alloys that not only meet demanding performance standards but also support a circular economy,” says Michael Hahne, vice president of Commercial for Novelis Europe. “At Novelis, we are proud to lead the aluminum industry in advancing high-recycled-content alloys. Partnering with strong brands like Velux is a testament for sustainable innovation. By giving aluminum scrap new life again and again, we are working towards our 3×30 Vision by becoming the world’s lowest-emissions provider of flat-rolled aluminum.”
Sustainable Roof Windows
Velux Group, owned by VKR Holding A/S, has been bringing daylight and fresh air into peoples’ homes around the world for more than 80 years. The company produces a range of products, including roof windows and modular skylights, decorative blinds, sun screening products, and roller shutters. These products help create bright, healthy, and energy-efficient places for people who live, work, learn, and play under the roof.
Aluminum is one of several key materials Velux is investigating together with its suppliers to help achieve carbon reductions in both its products and its overall carbon footprint. With more than 98% of the company’s carbon footprint coming from Scope 3, value chain emissions, decarbonization efforts require effective collaboration with key suppliers.
By shifting to aluminum with high recycled content, VELUX is taking a major step toward decarbonizing its products across the value chain. “Aluminum is an essential material used for external protection of our roof windows and accessories and, therefore, also a significant contributor to our Scope 3 emissions,” said Klaus Lorentzen, senior vice president Products and Innovation for the VELUX Group. “So, the type of aluminum we use in our production must contain a high degree of recycled content to meet our decarbonization targets. By shifting to low-carbon aluminum, we are paving the way for the next generation of VELUX roof windows and accessories.”
New Supply Agreement
Novelis is a leader in driving low-carbon aluminum solutions and has been a supplier to Velux for more than 40 years. Since the letter of intent signed in 2022, the two companies have been collaborating closely to reduce the carbon footprint of the aluminum used in Velux products.
Recycling aluminum can reduce emissions by up to 95% compared to primary aluminum. The aluminum alloy provided by Novelis to Velux is specifically optimized for use in roof window production. To date, more than 50% of the aluminum supplied by Novelis has been replaced with high recycled content.
The new long-term agreement replaces the existing letter of intent. Under this commercial partnership, Novelis will continue to supply Velux with aluminum products, with the goal of steadily increasing the amount of high recycled content products delivered in the coming years. The companies aim is to reduce CO₂e emissions to a level of <3 kg CO₂e/kg of flat-rolled aluminum used in VELUX roof window coverings and accessories by 2030.
“This agreement really demonstrates our strong commitment to reach this very ambitious goal within just five years,” says Klaus Lorentzen, senior vice president Products and Innovation for the VELUX Group. “It also secures the steady supply for several years of a key roof window material with a desirably low carbon footprint. With more than 70% recycled content, this Novelis aluminum is key for our efforts to decarbonize Velux products.”