Constellium Implements LIBS Technology to Advance Automotive Aluminium Recycling

Constellium SE has announced a major advancement in aluminium recycling for the automotive industry by implementing Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) technology at an industrial scale. Developed in collaboration with German recycling specialist OSR GmbH & Co. KG and a premium European automotive manufacturer, this initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions across the automotive supply chain by increasing the use of recycled aluminium.

One of the key challenges in automotive aluminium recycling is effectively segregating alloy families, which is critical for maintaining material quality. Previously, mixed 5xxx and 6xxx alloys from stamping scrap were often downcycled, limiting their use in high-value applications. However, LIBS sorting technology enables rapid and precise sorting of aluminium scrap, achieving over 95% purity for both alloy families.

Constellium has already processed significant volumes of LIBS-sorted scrap at its Neuf-Brisach plant in France, recycling it into high-quality aluminium solutions without compromising material integrity. This success demonstrates the industrial viability of LIBS sorting and highlights its potential to transform global aluminium recycling practices.

"Recycling aluminium scrap with the precision and scale offered by LIBS technology is an unprecedented leap forward for the industry," said Dieter Höll, Vice President Global Automotive at Constellium. "This innovative approach allows us to recover high-quality alloys from pre-consumer scrap, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and supporting our customers' sustainability goals."

Constellium and OSR GmbH & Co. KG will continue to enhance the technology with the long-term goal of extracting high-value aluminium from end-of-life vehicles. The initiative aims to create a fully circular system for automotive aluminium, aligning with the industry's transition towards a low-carbon economy.