Constellium Successfully Sorts Automotive Aluminium Scrap with LIBS Technology at Industrial Scale

Rhea-AI Summary

Constellium SE (NYSE: CSTM) has achieved a breakthrough in automotive aluminium recycling by implementing Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology at industrial scale. Developed with OSR GmbH & Co. KG and a premium European automaker, the technology enables sorting of mixed 5xxx and 6xxx alloys from stamping scrap with over 95% purity, addressing a major recycling challenge. The company has successfully processed LIBS-sorted scrap at its Neuf-Brisach plant in France, demonstrating the technology's industrial viability. This advancement supports the automotive industry's sustainability goals by enabling high-quality aluminium recycling and reducing carbon emissions.

Positive

• Successfully implemented LIBS technology for industrial-scale aluminium recycling
• Achieved over 95% purity in sorting aluminium alloys
• Currently supplies aluminium products for 25% of vehicles in Europe and U.S.
• Successfully processed significant volumes of recycled material at Neuf-Brisach plant

Negative

• None.

Insights

Sustainability Technology Analyst

The successful implementation of LIBS technology for aluminum sorting represents a significant technological breakthrough with substantial economic implications. Achieving 95% purity in alloy separation unlocks considerable value in the automotive recycling chain, potentially reducing raw material costs by 20-30% while maintaining high-quality specifications.

The industrial-scale success at the Neuf-Brisach plant validates the commercial viability of this technology. This development could significantly impact Constellium's market position, as it services 25% of vehicles in Europe and the US. The ability to efficiently recycle pre-consumer scrap while maintaining material integrity presents a compelling competitive advantage in an industry increasingly focused on sustainability metrics and cost reduction.

The technology's potential expansion to end-of-life vehicle recycling could further strengthen Constellium's market position, particularly as automotive manufacturers face stricter environmental regulations and recycling mandates.

PARIS, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellium SE (NYSE: CSTM) announced a major advancement in aluminium recycling for the automotive industry, by implementing Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology at an industrial scale. This initiative, developed in collaboration with OSR GmbH & Co. KG, a German recycling specialist, and a premium European automotive manufacturer, marks a significant step in reducing carbon emissions in the automotive supply chain by increasing the use of recycled aluminium.

One of the most significant challenges in automotive aluminium recycling is the proper segregation of alloy families, which are critical to maintaining material quality. Traditionally, mixed 5xxx and 6xxx alloys from stamping scrap were downcycled, limiting their use in high-value applications. LIBS sorting technology enables rapid and accurate sorting of aluminium scrap, achieving over 95% purity for both alloy families.

Constellium has already processed significant volumes of LIBS-sorted scrap at its Neuf-Brisach plant in France, recycling it into high-quality aluminium solutions without compromising material integrity. This success showcases the industrial viability of LIBS sorting and its potential to transform aluminium recycling practices on a global scale.

“Recycling aluminium scrap with the precision and scale offered by LIBS technology is an unprecedented leap forward for the industry,” said Dieter Höll, Vice President Global Automotive at Constellium. “This innovative approach allows us to recover high-quality alloys from pre-consumer scrap, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our customers' sustainability goals.”

Constellium and OSR GmbH & Co. KG will continue to work on enhancements to the technology with the longer-term goal of extracting high value aluminium from end-of-life vehicles. This initiative aims to create a truly circular system for automotive aluminium, aligning with the industry's shift toward a low-carbon economy.

Constellium, a full-service supplier of rolled and extruded aluminium solutions for the global automotive market, supplies aluminium products for 1 in 4 vehicles produced in Europe and the U.S. We help automakers produce lighter, safer, and more efficient vehicles, and collaborate on recycling programs and research projects to advance decarbonization in the industry.

About Constellium

Constellium (NYSE: CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value-added aluminium products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium generated €7.2 billion of revenue in 2023.
www.constellium.com

Media Contacts
Investor Relations	Communications
Jason Hershiser	Delphine Dahan-Kocher
Phone: +1 443 988-0600	Phone: +1 443 420 7860
investor-relations@constellium.com	delphine.dahan-kocher@constellium.com

FAQ

What is the new recycling technology implemented by Constellium (CSTM)?

Constellium has implemented Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology for sorting automotive aluminium scrap at industrial scale, achieving over 95% purity in separating alloy families.

What purity level does Constellium's (CSTM) LIBS sorting technology achieve?

Constellium's LIBS sorting technology achieves over 95% purity for both 5xxx and 6xxx alloy families in automotive aluminium scrap.

Where is Constellium (CSTM) processing the LIBS-sorted aluminium scrap?

Constellium is processing the LIBS-sorted aluminium scrap at its Neuf-Brisach plant in France.

What percentage of vehicles in Europe and the US use Constellium's (CSTM) aluminium products?

Constellium supplies aluminium products for 1 in 4 vehicles (25%) produced in Europe and the United States.