Sustainability, recycling and CBAM
Aluminium is by nature a green metal that can be recycled indefinitely without losing its structural properties, strength or quality. Below are the key facts about our sustainable production vision and about our CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) processes, which are critical for our customers exporting to the European Union.
Recycling and the strength of green aluminium
Producing recycled (secondary) aluminium takes up to 95% less energy than producing primary aluminium from scratch by electrolysis. Because melting and reprocessing do not compromise the quality of the metal, secondary aluminium is one of the strongest building blocks of the circular economy.
Carbon intensity by production method
| Production method / process | Carbon intensity (average t CO₂ / tonne of aluminium) |
|---|---|
| Primary aluminium (electrolysis) | ~15 t CO₂ |
| Secondary aluminium (recycled scrap) | ~0.5-1.0 t CO₂ |
| Extrusion process only (excludes producing the metal) | ~0.3-0.6 t CO₂ |
CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) for EU buyers
The definitive period of the EU's CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) began on 1 January 2026. The obligations sit with the importer in the EU. The authorised CBAM declarant reports the emissions embedded in imported aluminium products and surrenders CBAM certificates for them.
Whether an order carries a CBAM cost, and how much, is not the same for every order. It depends on the importer's annual import volume (importers of 50 tonnes or less of CBAM goods a year are exempt), on the emissions embedded in the product and on the certificate price.
At Alubos, we are able to issue a Carbon Declaration and a Production Carbon Intensity Report for all orders we ship to EU member states. These documents support your importer's CBAM reporting. The official CBAM declaration is submitted by the authorised CBAM declarant in the EU, not by Alubos.
Export note: When you request a quote, tell our sales and technical team what CBAM reporting you need, so that the right documentation process can be started.
References and legal sources
- EU CBAM Regulation: (EU) 2023/956, European Parliament and Council (10 May 2023)
- CBAM simplification: (EU) 2025/2083, European Parliament and Council (8 October 2025)
- European Aluminium: "Recycling" fact sheet (2023 update)
- IAI (International Aluminium Institute): "Environmental Profile Report" (2022)
Questions about CBAM documents?
Tell us the profiles and quantities you need, and which documents your importer asks for.