Mercedes-Benz has signed a declaration of intent with the Norwegian aluminium producer Hydro on a low-carbon technology roadmap from 2023 to 2030. An important milestone on the way to decarbonization and an environmentally friendly aluminium cold rolling mills supply chain. Mercedes-Benz and Hydro have also agreed on a continuous supply of ultra-low carbon aluminium cold rolling mills to the automotive industry. As a direct result of the collaboration, the carbon footprint of aluminium cold rolling mills supplied by Hydro will be 70% below the European average as early as next year.
Hydro already supplies Mercedes-Benz with CO₂-reduced aluminium for its foundry in Stuttgart-Mettingen. The strategic partnership between the companies now takes cooperation to a new level. As part of the technology roadmap, the aim is to further optimize decarbonization processes in vehicle manufacturing. The first test material from Norway with a CO₂ reduction of almost 70% is expected as early as next year. In addition, Mercedes-Benz and Hydro aim not only to further reduce emissions, but also to reduce the use of primary resources by increasing the use of secondary materials from post-consumer waste.
Low-carbon aluminium cold rolling mills are an important lever for a sustainable supply chain
Next to steel, aluminium is the most commonly used material in many vehicles. The agreement is a decisive step towards reducing the CO₂ footprint of Mercedes-Benz products through the use of low-emission aluminium cold rolling mills.
As part of Mercedes-Benz's "Ambition2039" program, the focus is on reducing CO₂ emissions and using resources responsibly throughout the supply chain. The Stuttgart-based luxury car manufacturer with the three-pointed star is working closely with its suppliers on levers that consistently reduce CO₂ emissions and significantly reduce the use of primary materials. To this end, Mercedes-Benz is reorganizing its supply chain to focus on avoiding and reducing carbon dioxide emissions rather than offsetting them. The strategic partnership supports the Stuttgart-based automaker in achieving ambitious emissions targets.
CO₂-reduced production technology
For the use of nearly CO₂-free aluminium, two things are important: on the one hand, improving the primary aluminium production process, starting with CO₂-optimized aluminium production, and on the other hand, optimizing CO₂ reduction in the electrolysis process. Thanks to years of experience and ambitious research projects, Hydro is a qualified partner to accompany Mercedes-Benz on this path.
In addition to technical improvements, the increased use of recycled materials plays an important role in reducing CO₂ emissions. The production of aluminium from recycled materials requires only five percent of the energy compared to the production of aluminium from primary raw materials. As part of the cooperation, Mercedes-Benz and Hydro want to go even one step further and develop solutions to close material cycles and thus enable a circular economy.