Novelis Inc. broke ground on a $36 million investment to expand and upgrade recycling capacity at its facility in Greensboro, Georgia. The investment will expand the company’s capabilities in automotive closed-loop recycling, a process to take aluminum scrap created during stamping and recycle it for new vehicle production. Closing the loop preserves the value of the alloy, reduces cost, minimizes environmental impact, and establishes a secure supply chain. The facility will also continue to recycle used beverage cans for the beverage packaging industry.
“As automakers continue to choose aluminum as the sustainable material of choice, we are investing in our recycling capabilities to increase the amount of recycled content in new vehicles and reduce carbon emissions,” said Marco Palmieri, senior vice president and president, Novelis North America. “This investment aligns with our purpose of Shaping a Sustainable World Together and demonstrates our commitment to helping our customers meet their sustainability targets.”
The expansion project involves adding state-of-the-art equipment for aluminum scrap recycling and a new baghouse for improved dust mitigation. In addition, the upgrades will also enhance the facility’s safety systems. For example, the new design will more effectively separate pedestrian walkways from mobile equipment traffic.
Opened in 1980, Novelis’ Greensboro facility is responsible for pioneering the majority of Novelis’ recycling technology. “Our team of 145 employees in Greensboro has a proud tradition of offering innovative solutions in aluminum recycling,” said Beatriz Landa, Novelis Greensboro plant manager. “This investment enables us to continue to modernize our facility and capabilities to serve an even broader customer base for years to come.”
The company expects to complete the project by fall of 2021.