The programme embraces inter-modal transport of aluminium alloy scrap material from Boeing’s Auburn and Wichita plants in the USA as well as scrap from third party operators in the vicinity. The scrap is transported to Alcoa’s melting and recycling facility in Lafayette, Indiana.
Alcoa will be recycling 2XXX and 7XXX alloys, which are used in wing and fuselage component production. The plan is to process extrusions, sheet and plate. An estimated eight million pounds of metal is expected to be recycled annually, says Alcoa.
Leslie Shuman, director of supply chain for Alcoa’s aerospace, transportation and industrial rolled products, said that the initiative will maximise the value of scrap throughout the supply chain and reduce wastage.
“It also allows us to work closely with Boeing to ensure the quality and integrity of the materials we bring into our system for recycling,” he added.