BMW implements aluminum scrap recycling program at its largest car manufacturing plant

According to foreign media reports, German automaker BMW said that its stamping shop in Dingolfing has become BMW's first facility to separate and recycle aluminum scrap from the plant.
The Dingolfing plant is BMW's largest car manufacturing plant. In order to achieve the goal of complete recycling of waste aluminum, a reconstruction of 6.5 million euros is required, but after the renovation, it can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 120,000 tons per year.

The new recycling equipment at the Dingolfing plant can automatically separate aluminum from metal scrap produced by more than a dozen presses on site when passing through the scrap chute. Then, the scrap aluminum is fed into a machine through three conveyors, and the scrap aluminum is pressed into a cube shape.

To develop and implement the system, BMW worked with Novelis, an aluminum recycling company in Atlanta. After pressing the plant's scrap aluminum into chunks, BMW shipped the chunks of scrap to Novelis. After that, Novelis melted the aluminum block and mixed the molten aluminum with other elements to produce an aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy, made from BMW scrap aluminum, was subsequently sold to Novelis customers, many of whom also engaged in the production of automotive parts.

Dingolfing manager Christoph Schroder said the system reflects BMW's commitment to the responsible purchase and use of materials for vehicles. BMW is already a member of the Aluminum Management Initiative ASI, committed to promoting responsible production and responsible procurement in the aluminum value chain, and jointly building a sustainable aluminum supply chain. Novelis is also an active advocate and participant of ASI.

"With the introduction of this system, we are strengthening our position as a global aluminum competitiveness center. At the same time, we are responsible for the environment and for the effective use of raw materials in the supply chain."

BMW said that developing the process at Dingolfing is a pilot project so that the recommended process can be used at other plants. The plant in Landshut will follow suit.