ALUMINIUM

In Japan, it is not possible to refine new aluminum (primary aluminum derived from bauxite). The production of new aluminum consumes a large amount of energy and generates a significant volume of waste. Considering the future environmental impact, it is important to minimize the use of new aluminum as much as possible. While Japan cannot produce new aluminum, it can produce “recycled aluminum” derived from scrap. Scrap materials such as used aluminum cans become recycled aluminum, which can greatly contribute to the conservation of aluminum resources, reduction of alloying elements, reduction of CO2 emissions, and reduction of waste.
Yamaichi Metal believes that producing recycled aluminum leads to the creation of more sustainable aluminum cans. By employing separation technologies for 3000 series (body) and 5000 series (lid) aluminum used in cans, along with thorough foreign substance sorting and proprietary processes, we enhance the added value of recycled aluminum. Our goal is to achieve zero waste and zero CO2 emissions between processes at our factory. Specifically, we aim to achieve zero CO2 emissions from electricity consumption (Scope 2) by 2026, and zero direct CO2 emissions (Scope 1) by 2030.
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Minimal use of new aluminum
The use of new aluminum can be reduced in the aluminum melting process at rolling mills.
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Minimal use of alloying elements
The use of alloying elements can be reduced in the process of adjusting aluminum composition.
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Minimal processing steps
The number and duration of aluminum composition adjustment processes can be reduced.
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In the roasting process, the use of fossil fuels is reduced by over 90%.
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With this technology, laminated aluminum foil will no longer be sent to landfill.
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Since aluminum can be recovered, the use of new aluminum is reduced.
GREENALUMINIUM
“Sustainable recycled aluminum” independently developed by Yamaichi Metal
In general, recyclers melt scrap to produce ingots in order to remove foreign materials mixed in with the scrap. However, Yamaichi Metal recognized that melting scrap leads to increased energy consumption, higher costs, and greater environmental impact. Therefore, we conducted in-house research and developed a non-melted “tablet.” The key condition for the tablet is to remove as much non-aluminum foreign matter as possible through processes such as crushing, roasting, granulation, sieving, and sorting.






This is recycled aluminum extracted from the body section of aluminum cans.

This is pure recycled aluminum derived from aluminum cans.Because there are dozens of foreign material sorting points throughout the process, the resulting aluminum pellets are refined to the utmost detail, with almost no remaining impurities such as liquid residues other than aluminum, surface paint, resins, or contaminants like iron, non-ferrous metals, and PET bottles.
Contained elements | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn |
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YMC 3104* | 0.242 | 0.425 | 0.179 | 0.833 | 1.238 | 0.100 |
JIS standard | ≦ 0.30 | ≦ 0.70 | ≦ 0.25 | 1.0~1.5 | 0.8~1.3 | ≦ 0.25 |
*Based on the average values of our products in 2023


This is recycled aluminum extracted from the lid section of aluminum cans.

This is pure recycled aluminum derived from aluminum cans.Because there are more than several dozen foreign material sorting points throughout the process, the resulting aluminum pellets are refined to the utmost detail containing almost no impurities such as non-aluminum liquid residues, surface paint, resin content, or other contaminants (such as iron, non-ferrous metals, or PET bottles).
Contained elements | Si | Fe | Cu | Mn | Mg | Zn |
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YMC 5000* | 0.140 | 0.330 | 0.110 | 0.430 | 3.230 | 0.050 |
JIS standard | ≦ 0.20 | ≦ 0.35 | ≦ 0.15 | ≦ 0.2~0.5 | 4.0~5.0 | ≦ 0.25 |
*Based on the average values of our products in 2023


This is recycled aluminum extracted from resin-coated aluminum foil.

Both the aluminum and resin components are utilized without waste. Aluminum content is extracted from the thin aluminum foil without oxidation. It is shipped with an aluminum particle size of approximately 0.2 mm to 1.1 mm.
Contained elements | Al | Fe | Si | Mg | Mn | Cu |
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YMC 1000* | 98.15 | 0.680 | 0.130 | 0.670 | 0.200 | 0.050 |
*Based on the average values of our products in 2023

Aluminum dross is generated during the recycling process. Since no flux is used, the levels of fluorine and chlorine remain within standard limits.

Non-aluminum non-ferrous metals (such as tin, zinc, and copper) mixed into pressed aluminum cans are sorted out.

Steel mixed into pressed aluminum cans is separated using magnetic sorting.

Foamed mass is generated when aluminum pellets are melted in an electric furnace. Since no flux is used, it can be remelted in a reverberatory furnace or similar equipment as a raw material.