FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mandi Ross
703-358-2976
mross@aluminum.org

Aluminum Association Says Aluminum Plays Critical Role in Sustainable Freight Transportation

Better Fuel Economy, Tailpipe Emissions Reduction Among Highlights of Sustainable Metal

ARLINGTON, Va., June 21, 2010 (News Release) — The Aluminum Association and The Mexican Aluminum Institute (IMEDAL) have issued a letter to Canada’s Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) supporting further use of aluminum in freight transport to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.  The letter references the recent Sustainable Freight Transportation Report, a document currently profiling the environmental status of freight transportation in North America.
 
“We believe that increased use of lightweight materials will increase vehicle fuel economy, reduce tailpipe emissions and help mitigate the growing environmental pressure on freight transportation,” write Aluminum Association President Steve Larkin and IMEDAL President Roberto Oliveros.
 
A brief highlighting the potential of aluminum as a lighter material leading to reduced fuel consumption and the related emissions savings was attached to the letter.  Larkin and Oliveros noted that with the infinite recyclability of aluminum, high scrap value and low energy needs during recycling, aluminum lightweight solutions remain the option of choice.
 
The letter also emphasizes support of the Aluminum for Future Generations program, the aluminum industry’s commitment to voluntary objectives for improving social, economic, and environmental performance across all key phases of the metal’s lifecycle. 
 
“Aluminum is a pioneer in tracking the global flows of its products through the full value chain from mining, through use, to recycling and reuse. Three quarters of aluminum produced since the 1880s is still in productive use today and why its environmental status has a global impact,” said Larkin and Oliveros.

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The Aluminum Association, based in Arlington, Virginia, works globally to aggressively promote aluminum as the most sustainable and recyclable automotive, packaging and construction material in today’s market. The Association represents U.S. and foreign-based primary producers of aluminum, aluminum recyclers and producers of fabricated products, as well as industry suppliers. Member companies operate more than 200 plants in the United States, with many conducting business worldwide.