Sustainability and Profitability: Effort in Recycling of Aluminium –An Indian Perspective
ABSTRACT The case study is aimed at highlighting the key issues and challenges in the aluminium recycling efforts by the industry.  Recycling aluminium involves technology issues, scrap collection/handling issues apart from corporate will and commitment towards a sustainable planet. Aluminium, the third most abundant element in the earth’s crust, enjoys wide variety of applications ranging from small utensils to aircrafts. The energy consumed in recycling the aluminium scrap is much lower than primary aluminium production. The recycling efforts also helps in preserving vital natural resource i.e. bauxite for future generation, reduces fluoride emissions, prevents solid waste, brings efficiency in scrap handling, in eliminating fire hazards. While secondary aluminium industry constitutes 40% of the total consumption of the metal in developed industry, in India there is huge gap in terms efforts, technological inputs, stakeholders contribution to achieve global benchmarks and the percentage achieved in recycling metal in nearly 20% of total consumption. Countries like Japan have in reality stopped importing the aluminium metal as a primary source and it must inspire other countries as well for emulating. The aluminium industry in India is making great strides to compete globally in terms of recycling. The case study attempts to  identify the efforts for organized scrap processing, improved understanding between recycler & consumer, gearing to meet the projected growth of 20% in automobile industry , adoption of newer technologies, improved quality and Increase awareness of safety & environmental sustainability.The challenge of economic, ecological and social sustainability is there for all countries and industries. The aluminium industry must fulfil the commitment of ensuring competitive advantage and concurrently more sustainable global economy of the future. Key Words : Aluminium Recycling, Sustainability, Technology, Scrap etc.