At Reynaers Aluminium, sustainability is tackled from every angle, reducing carbon footprints, maximizing recycled content, and creating durable, energy-efficient building materials. With aluminium that’s 100% recyclable and long-lasting, they combine smart design, certified value chains, and collaborative projects like Return to push the limits of green construction. Their approach proves that building sustainably isn’t just a choice - it’s a responsibility shared across the industry. Explore how they turn material innovation into measurable environmental impact.
Use of recyced materials
When it comes to sustainability, we find that the most common request is to provide materials with the highest possible recycled content or materials with the lowest possible carbon footprint. If we look at the carbon footprint of aluminium, the European average is around 9, I believe 9.3. If we look at the carbon footprint of the aluminium we process annually, we are at 4.13. That is quite a big step, a big improvement.
Reducing our carbon footprint is something we work on every day. But the question we ask ourselves is, is that really the only thing we should be focusing on?
Optimal mix
Aluminium has a very long lifespan and is extremely popular, which means that demand for aluminium is enormous, and also for recycled content. Today, we are noticing that the amount of scrap metal available is limited. Studies have shown that we can meet around 40% of the demand.
Our message is, ensure recycled content of around 40% and work on the remaining 60%. Make sure you focus on those materials that have been produced in a sustainable manner.
Sustainability from every angle
Our sustainability strategy at Reynaers Aluminium is sustainability from every angle. At Reynaers Aluminium, we want to highlight these different perspectives in order to create sustainable buildings. One of these is ensuring optimal building envelopes. A facade that is thermally efficient, limiting energy consumption during the use phase.
Another perspective on achieving sustainable buildings is, in our view, working with sustainable materials and sustainable value chains. When we look at sustainable materials, we can say that aluminium fits perfectly into this category. Aluminium has a long lifespan. Aluminium is 100% recyclable while retaining its properties. The Return project is a good example of this, where we actually involve our partners in recycling the aluminium, through local partners and local processors, thereby contributing in a transparent way to optimising the recycling process.
A final perspective, which we believe is important in achieving sustainable buildings, is working with materials and systems that are traceable and have the necessary certificates.
Together for better
A message that is therefore very important to us. That is why we are seeking partners and stakeholders to help us spread that message. Hence our membership in the Belgium Green Building Council, an organisation that has a very broad support base, representing all parties within the construction sector and providing us with an ideal platform to collaborate in conveying that message to the world.
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Kurt Van Den Bergh
Technical Manager I Reynaers Aluminium Belux
At Reynaers Aluminium, we believe that sustainable buildings are essential for a liveable future. As a leading Belgian specialist in innovative and sustainable aluminium solutions for windows, doors and facades, active in more than 50 countries, we are fully committed to accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral building sector. Our mission "Together, we improve the living and working environment for people, now and for future generations". We combine design, technology and digitalisation in innovative solutions that add value and inspire our partners to create sustainable buildings.’ fits perpect within the BGBC's objectives. Through a close cooperation with architects, contractors and our manufacturing partners, we realise our goals.