Rusal Advances Low-Carbon Aluminum Alloys Using Scrap Metal for Auto Manufacturing
Rusal announced the start of manufacturing a new class of low-carbon cast alloys designed specifically for the automotive sector. The material, named PEFA, integrates recycled aluminum scrap into the melt process to reduce the overall environmental footprint of finished parts while maintaining performance and reliability expected by vehicle manufacturers.
PEFA stands for Primary Equivalent Foundry Alloys, a designation that reflects the alloy’s goal of matching the quality and characteristics of primary aluminum while incorporating a meaningful share of secondary material. In practice, the alloy contains about 20% aluminum scrap that is blended into the melt during production, enabling recyclability without sacrificing the properties demanded by modern automotive design and use.
The move aligns with broader industry efforts to boost circular economy participation in the automotive supply chain. By incorporating recycled content directly into the alloy during foundry operations, the process supports the reuse of aluminum in vehicle production and end-of-life recycling streams, helping automakers meet stricter environmental targets and sustainability commitments.
Rusal disclosed plans to scale up the production of this alloy, with expectations to increase the share of secondary raw materials in PEFA to around 30% in the second half of 2023. This anticipated expansion reflects a steady push toward higher recycled content while preserving material performance and process efficiency that automotive manufacturers rely on for mass production and long-term reliability.
The development of PEFA underscores ongoing collaboration between aluminum producers and automotive manufacturers to accelerate the transition to lighter, more sustainable materials without compromising safety, durability, or manufacturing throughput. As demand for recyclable, low-emission materials grows, PEFA represents a concrete example of how circular economy principles are being implemented in metal casting and automotive supply chains.
Source: Rusal