More efficient and less energy

Hydro Extrusions has an ambition to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach net zero emissions in time for 2050 or earlier. No single effort will make it possible, but it is clear which efforts make the biggest difference. In Hydro Extrusion's case, the common thread is energy efficiency and energy supply. Something that is particularly clear in the company's Swedish factories. In Vetlanda, the presses have a CO2 emission of only 0.06 kg CO2/kg pressed profile and the press in Finspång is 0.09 kg CO2 per pressed profile. In Europe, the average is 0.68 kg CO2/kg. How is that possible? First and foremost, Hydro Extrusions presses consume less energy thanks to energy-efficient motors, pumps and hydraulic systems. The factories also use an energy mix that contributes to the lower carbon dioxide emissions. All presses have also reduced the scrap percentage considerably.

It is not only the presses that are energy efficient, Hydro Extrusion Sweden has also installed LED lights in most of its premises. By the end of the year, pretty much all regular fluorescent tubes will be out of business. The new lights detect movement and only light up if needed. Above all, the lamps are more energy efficient than traditional fluorescent tubes, with an expected saving of 85%. This corresponds to a normal consumption for approximately 450 villas.

- Energy efficiency is one of the keys. Another part to look at is where the energy comes from and how the energy mix affects our overall climate footprint. If the climate threat is to be countered, many parallel efforts are required. We show that we can accelerate the use of aluminium and reduce our climate impact at the same time, says Henrik Stark, Sales Director Hydro Extrusion Sweden.

Factories with solar cells and battery storage

Through the Greener Sweden project, Hydro Extrusion Sweden wants to switch to 100% locally produced energy from renewable energy sources. The goal is to create one of the group's greenest facilities. The work to provide the factories with solar panels on the roof and battery storage has already begun and during the next year the plan is to also install solar cells on the ground. Greener Sweden is one of the keys to Hydro's climate transition. The project's various efforts in combination with energy-efficient processes mean that Hydro Extrusions can begin to approach a zero level of carbon dioxide emissions. In other words, it is impossible to avoid where Hydro Extrusion's focus lies in the future – it's all about sustainability – one way or another.

- Sustainability is about the entire value chain from how we produce, press and recycle aluminium to how we heat and supply energy to our factories. At the same time, we put a lot of focus on incorporating sustainability issues already in the design stage and finding collaborations with customers who want to make a difference with the help of aluminium. It will be extra clear at Elmia Subcontractor. It is impossible to miss what we stand for and where we are going, says Henrik Stark.