Aluminium and industry
The largest
aluminium manufacturers are China, Russia and the USA; the largest consumers
are also the USA, China and Europe. The most important deposits of bauxite ore can
be found in Australia, Brazil, Guinea, China, India, and Jamaica.
Aluminium can
be applied by many industries. Its properties have resulted in continuous
expansion of its consumption and scope of applications.
Transport industry
Aluminium
is used for: cars, light lorries, lorry trailers, trains, aircraft, ships,
yachts and ferries.
The main advantages of aluminium for the transport
industry:
- light
material,
- durability,
- corrosion
resistance,
- the
lightness of the material reduces the consumption of fuel and emissions into
the environment.
|
Construction industry
Aluminium
is applied in the following products: windows, door frames, roof and wall
panels, structural frames, and Venetian blinds.
The main advantages of aluminium for the
construction industry:
- light
material,
- durability,
- corrosion
resistance,
- reflection
of light and heat,
- attractive
appearance.
|
Electrical industry
The main advantages of aluminium for the electrical
industry:
- light
material,
- corrosion
resistance,
- high
conductivity,
- recycling
opportunities.
|
Key facts:
- Annual
consumption of aluminium in Europe: 8 million tonnes.
- Annual
production in Europe: 4.1 million tonnes.
- Annual
reprocessing of waste aluminium in Europe: 3.7 million tonnes.
- Annual
European import of aluminium: 2.5 million tonnes.
- Aluminium
consumption per capita in Europe: more than 24 kg (2005).
- Global
aluminium consumption growth: more than 5% per year.
|