Conserving resources, easing the pressure on the climate, protecting the landscape and environment

Environmental and climate protection is part of the corporate philosophy and is practiced at all levels and by all employees at TRIMET. This includes the responsible use of the environment and resources, the protection of the climate and the maximum reduction of waste and emissions.

TRIMET is pursuing the goal of climate-neutral aluminum production by 2045.

All TRIMET sites give high priority to efforts to increase energy efficiency and operate certified management systems in accordance with DIN EN ISO 50001. Furthermore, work is being done on the development of an inert anode in cooperation with Saarland University (USAAR).

Electricity is an important raw material for aluminum production and by far the biggest factor influencing the CO₂ footprint of aluminum. TRIMET therefore supports the expansion of power supply from wind and solar power with new processes and technical innovations. With the shutdown capability of our aluminum smelters and their alignment with primary control power standards, we are helping to stabilize the power grid and drive the transformation to power supply from renewable energy sources.

With a process developed by TRIMET, we have succeeded in revolutionizing the electrolysis process to adapt aluminum production to the fluctuating power supply from wind and photovoltaic plants with flexible load management.

In our aluminum smelters, foundries and remelting plants we continuously identify and exploit potential for increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. In primary aluminum production, we are driving forward the networking and digitization of processes and experimenting with superconductor technology for loss-free power lines. In addition, TRIMET is developing a new electrolytic cell that releases oxygen instead of carbon dioxide during operation, thus enabling aluminum production without direct CO₂ emissions.  

By using state-of-the-art burner technology, we are also reducing emissions in our smelters and anode factories. We are also preparing our foundries and remelting plants for the use of hydrogen-containing process gas, which will significantly reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions.

At TRIMET, recycling goes hand in hand with disposal. We recycle around 95 percent of the residual materials generated in the production process ourselves or send them for external recycling. This also includes the residual materials collected by the filter systems in our production plants. Even the process heat from our electrolysis furnaces is used.

In Voerde, we make it available to neighboring commercial operations as energy, while at the other sites we are preparing to decouple it as district heating.

TRIMET uses the heat of primary aluminum to melt down aluminum scrap at its foundry in Essen, saving the energy needed for melting.

Processing aluminum scrap for recycling requires only five percent of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum.

The routes taken by our products and raw materials have an impact on their climate footprint. We consider transport to be a factor in sustainable action. As a local materials supplier, we are also close to our customers. We can therefore supply them with aluminium in liquid form. The short distances and the fact that the raw material is not melted down again save energy in two ways. The raw materials for aluminium production reach the TRIMET sites by ship or rail, not by road. We also take transport routes within the production plants into account. For example, TRIMET now uses electric vehicles at the Gelsenkirchen plant for its entire industrial fleet.

Climate protection also applies to business trips outside the gates of the plant. Various TRIMET company cars have an all-electric or hybrid drive. The fleet of climate-friendly company cars is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection with funds from the European Union. Charging stations at all TRIMET sites ensure a green electricity supply. These are also available for employees to use. Additionally, TRIMET offers employees the opportunity to use a leased bicycle to get to work via JobRad – and also in their free time.

The development of resource-saving materials and machining processes is a focal point of research at TRIMET. Among other things, the colleagues are working intensively on providing sophisticated aluminum alloys with a high recycled content for various areas of application.

In addition, research at TRIMET also takes on overarching tasks: The company's own Laboratory for Environment and Metal Analysis (LUMA) makes a significant contribution to monitoring compliance with all relevant environmental parameters.

TRIMET assumes responsibility for a livable environment at its sites. For example, the company is establishing large-scale climate tree plantations in Essen and Voerde. They bind CO₂ emissions and thus complement the measures for climate-friendly aluminum production. At the same time, they promote biodiversity.

In Essen, TRIMET supports the renaturation of the Emscher River. By establishing a separate wastewater system, the company is participating in the development of a local recreation area for the northern Ruhr region.

• The company’s own laboratory for environment and metal analytics, known as LUMA, makes a substantial contribution to monitoring compliance with all relevant environmental parameters.
• With the JobRad scheme, TRIMET gives its employees the opportunity to ride a leased bicycle whenever they want: to work, in everyday life, while on vacation, or for sport.
• TRIMET grows extensive climate tree plantations at its production sites to bind carbon emissions and thus complement the measures aimed at achieving climate-friendly aluminium production.