Schupan's JP Processing Centre in Kalamazoo opens for aluminium recycling

Schupan's JP Processing Centre has officially opened its doors, marking a significant step toward making Kalamazoo a more environmentally friendly community. The centre aims to convert old aluminium into usable raw material, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of aluminium production. Kalamazoo is a city in and the county seat of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. 

Aluminium scrap recycling or aluminium recycling is a crucial process aimed at reutilising discarded aluminium materials, promoting resource conservation, and mitigating environmental impact. Aluminium, prized for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, has extensive applications in the aerospace, construction, and packaging industries.

Gary Curtis, President of Schupan, emphasised the new process's cost-effectiveness and efficiency.

"It's a project that is taking obsolete aluminium and adding and converting that into a usable raw material that can really go into a green aluminium product," Curtis said.

The recycled materials from the centre will be repurposed for various products, including pop cans and home siding, underscoring the initiative's versatility and environmental benefits.

The new facility is dedicated to the memory of Jim Paternoster, a former manager at Schupan who passed away from pancreatic cancer before the project was completed. Paternoster's legacy lives on through the plant, a testament to his contributions and vision for a greener future.

AL Circle's industry focus report, "World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis—Industry Forecast to 2030," revealed that in 2021, there was an overall increase in global recycled aluminium usage. The castings segment witnessed a significant recovery, reaching 13.21 million tonnes, while can stock, pellet for steel, and other applications also demonstrated growth, with 4.87, 3.61, and 4,30 million tonnes, respectively.

These trends continued in 2022, with the castings segment reaching 13.82 million tonnes, can stock at 5.11 million tonnes, pellet for steel at 3.71 million tonnes, and other applications at 4.52 tonnes. The year 2022 signifies an important point in the data, as it sets the stage for forecasting the future of recycled aluminium usage by end-use segments.

The projection for 2023 onwards is optimistic, with expected growth in all segments. By 2023, castings are anticipated to reach 14.46 million tonnes, canstock at 5.37 million tonnes, pellet for steel at 3.82 million tonnes, and other applications at 4.75 million tonnes. This growth is set to continue through 2024, 2025, and beyond.