Miele introduced green aluminium in its production with the aim of reduce by 645 tonnes per year. Aluminium is strong but light-weight. These and other properties make this material an attractive proposition in a broad range of industrial applications. Alongside its use in the automotive sector, this metal also plays a key role in the production of domestic appliances. As Miele explained, «aluminium is energy-intensive in production. Hence the more energy is supplied by the sun, wind and water, the more the climate benefits. As part of a pilot project, Miele is now using primary aluminium in the manufacture of ovens produced exclusively using green electricity from hydropower. This way, Miele reduces its CO2 footprint by 645 tonnes a year and, in doing so, is making yet another contribution to greater sustainability in the supply chain».
In 2021 Miele introduced the use of low-CO2 steel to the production of ovens. «We are the first in our branch of industry to prove that CO2-reduced aluminium can be successfully used in ovens and help reduce the CO2 footprint – said Hans Krug, Senior Vice President Procurement -. The objective is to use climate-friendly aluminium on a broad front and thereby contribute towards a future-proof economy».
Initial use in oven production in the Westphalian town of Oelde. In a first stage, this year Miele will order around 150 tonnes of CO2-reduced aluminium for the production of trim. This represents an integral part of the ovens manufactured by Miele in the Westphalian town of Oelde. The aluminium is converted into an alloy in the supplier’s own foundry, further processed and then supplied to Miele in the form of finished components. The aluminium is poured on lines which use regenerative burners which utilise waste heat from the production process.
