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Learn about the Brazilian aluminum industry's actions and commitments to sustainability.

Issued at 2013-02-22





 
  
 

The Brazilian aluminum industry has grown with  the sustainable use of the country´s large ore potential. While the companies in the industry produce one of the most used metals in modern life, they act responsibly at the economic, social and environmental levels, minimizing negative impacts and multiplying the benefits generated by its activities.

The companies in the industry have shown their responsibility and commitment to the sustainability by investments in environmental protection programs, generating social benefits to its employees, to the communities where they operate and to society at large. The investment of the five major aluminum industry companies in sustainability-related has surpassed US$ 50 million in the last two years. Click here and check the aluminum industry's profile.

The Brazilian Aluminum Association ABAL - has the purpose of encouraging its members to strive continuously for sustainable development. Through the Safety, Health, Environment and Sustainable Development Committee, the Brazilian Aluminum Association - ABAL- joins the program Aluminum for Future Generations, a global initiative of the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), encouraging Brazilian companies to join the program.

Yet, there are still many challenges to overcome. Among them, a higher contribution to the development of solutions for the automotive and transport industries, as well as more options to increase the supply of energy and energy efficiency. Also, the creation of applications for bauxite waste and expansion of the reach of actions focused on engaging communities. However, by contributing to the full achievement of the goals proposed by IAI (decrease of pollutants' emissions and minimization of energy consumption, among other goals), the aluminum industry takes an important step towards sustainability.


Get to Know the Concept of Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is fundamental for the growth of any human activity sector. It consists of a tripod of three major goals: economic, social and environmental objectives, as seen in the figure below:


What is Sustainable Development?



In terms of economic goals, the priority is to create initiatives that will ensure the industry's growth, adding value for shareholders, efficiency to processes and continuous innovation.

In environmental matters, the industry structures its progress around environmental protection, contributing to ensure the maintenance of the ecosystem, of the climate, and of biodiversity, by using its technical and intellectual capabilities.

To close the cycle, the Brazilian aluminum industry's social goals, to ensure its sustainable development, are as follows: social inclusion, endeavoring to reach equal social progress in the communities where they are inserted, and to maintain both their cultural identity and institutional development.



Source: ABAL



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