Aluminum

Interesting Facts About Aluminum Cans

• Approximately 31 to 34 aluminum cans make up 1 pound. This depends on the size and manufacturer, but a typical 12 oz (355 ml) aluminum can weighs about 14-15 grams, or roughly 0.5 ounces.
  As of recent data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and industry sources like the Aluminum Association:
  • In the United States:
    About 800,000 to 1 million tons of aluminum cans are recycled annually. This equals approximately 1.6 to 2 billion pounds of aluminum cans recycled each year.
  • Globally, Over 25 billion pounds of aluminum (not just cans) are recycled yearly. Cans are a major portion, with more than 500 billion aluminum cans produced worldwide annually, and over 60% of those being recycled.
• Recycling 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours.
• Aluminum can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality.
• Recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from raw materials.

1. Types of Aluminum
   Aluminum is categorized mainly into two broad types:
   1. Wrought Alloys: These are mechanically worked (rolled, extruded, or forged). They are classified into:
      1. 1xxx series: Pure aluminum (99% or more)
      2. 2xxx–8xxx series: Alloyed with other elements like copper, magnesium, silicon, etc.
   2. Casting Alloys: These are shaped by pouring molten aluminum into molds. They are usually alloyed for strength and castability.There are over 500 registered aluminum alloys, but around 50–100 are commonly used in industry.
2. Use in Construction
   Aluminum is widely used in construction, especially in:
   1. Window frames, roofing, cladding, curtain walls
   2. Structural components (in modern architecture and prefabricated buildings)
   3. HVAC systems and wiringIt’s one of the top 3 most-used construction metals, along with steel and copper.
      In 2023, about 25% of all aluminum produced globally went into the construction sector.
3. Recycling of Aluminum
   Aluminum is one of the most recycled materials worldwide because it retains its properties indefinitely and requires only ~5% of the energy compared to primary production.
   Globally, about 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today due to recycling.
   Annual recycling volume (as of recent estimates):
   Over 30 million metric tons of aluminum are recycled each year globally.
   The U.S. alone recycles over 3 million metric tons annually.