Carbon footpri̇nt calculati̇ons and reducti̇on suggesti̇ons i̇n the alumi̇num recycli̇ng industry

In the metal industry, which is a sector intensive in raw material and energy use and waste production, it is necessary to take all necessary precautions for saving energy and minimizing environmental impacts for sustainable metal production. There are many facilities which have different capacities operating in the scrap metal recycling sector in our country. As a result of the research, no comprehensive study has been found the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from scrap metal production regarding the metal recycling sector in the literature. Within the scope of the study, it was aimed to calculate the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the metal recycling sector, which is a very important sector in Turkey, and to reveal its carbon footprint. In this context, a scrap aluminium facility within the borders of Tekirdağ province was selected and direct greenhouse gas emissions, greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy and indirect emissions from transportation were calculated in 2022. Calculated greenhouse gas emission values were determined on an annual and unit production basis and compared with values from different facilities and greenhouse gas emission values resulting from primary aluminum production. Within the scope of the study, the environmental impacts of the selected facility were determined on the basis of production steps, green production implementation methods were presented and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions specific to the facility were put forward. The study also includes an evaluation of the sector in terms of the EU Green Deal and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.