Novelis Honored with German Ecodesign Award for Recycled Aluminium Innovations
Novelis Inc., a leading provider of sustainable aluminium solutions and globally recognized for aluminium rolling and recycling, has recently been awarded the prestigious
2025 German Ecodesign Award. This accolade, given in the
Product category, highlights a groundbreaking prototype of aluminium sheet designed specifically for use in car body applications, utilizing 100% end-of-life automotive scrap.
This innovative material represents a significant advancement in recycling technology, as it enables the transportation sector to broaden its sustainable practices. The awarded prototype showcases Novelis' commitment to circular economics, produced entirely from scrap sourced from vehicles that have reached the end of their useful life. This achievement underscores that a
true car-to-car aluminium recycling process is not only technically feasible but also economically viable.
Collaboration and Development
The award-winning product is the culmination of extensive research and collaborative development efforts involving various stakeholders within the automotive supply chain. The current commercial grade alloy,
Novelis Advanz™ 6F – e170RC, comprises
at least 75% recycled content, incorporating materials from both pre-consumer manufacturing waste and post-consumer products. The transition to 100% recycled content in the new prototype demonstrates Novelis' operational prowess and environmental foresight.
Michael Hahne, Novelis Europe’s Vice President of Commercial, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award is a testament to the dedication and innovative spirit of our team. It inspires us to keep pushing boundaries in our pursuit of sustainable solutions that will benefit the market and boost collaboration throughout the recycling ecosystem.”
A Vision for Circular Economy
With strategic investments in
closed loop recycling systems, Novelis is committed to integrating automotive production waste back into its products, effectively mitigating the risks of down-cycling. Aligned with its ambitious
Novelis 3x30 sustainability strategy, the company aims to promote a fully circular economy, ensuring aluminium can be reused efficiently and effectively.
This commitment is translating into the establishment of high-quality recycling flows and transparent collaboration across different industries. By proactively increasing its share of end-of-life materials, Novelis is paving the way for a more eco-conscious production model.
Environmental Impact
Beyond innovation, the implications of aluminium recycling on the environment are significant. Recycling aluminium can lead to energy consumption reductions and
CO₂ emissions savings of up to 95% when compared to the production of primary aluminium. The advancement of highly recycled aluminium alloys not only minimizes the environmental impact of car manufacturing but also aligns with the European Union’s focus on critical raw materials and sustainable practices.
The German Ecodesign Award is renowned as Germany's top honor for ecological design, conferred since 2012 by governmental agencies working in conjunction with the International Design Center Berlin (IDZ). This recognition highlights ground-breaking products, services, and concepts that effectively integrate aesthetic design with environmental sustainability.
The award ceremony occurred on
December 1, 2025, in Berlin, drawing attention to the journey of innovation and dedication embodied by Novelis.
About Novelis
As a global leader in aluminium solutions, Novelis is driven by its mission to shape a sustainable future. The company takes pride in being the largest recycler of aluminium worldwide and aims to foster low-carbon, sustainable practices across various industries including automotive, beverage containers, and specialty products. In the fiscal year 2025, Novelis reported net revenues of approximately
$17.1 billion. As a subsidiary of
Hindalco Industries Limited, Novelis continues to stand at the forefront of sustainable aluminium production and recycling.
For more details regarding their initiatives and products, visit
novelis.com.