Are Aluminium Garden Screens Eco Friendly?
Introduction
Aluminium is one of the most sustainable and cost-effective materials on the market due to its high recyclability and energy-efficient production processes. According to the Aluminum Association, the industry average recycled content of aluminium used in new products is approximately 70%. However, in the UK, our suppliers surpass this average, achieving even higher percentages of recycled aluminium in their products.
Carbon-Free Manufacturing Process
The aluminium cutting process we use is not only precise but also environmentally friendly, thanks to advancements in gas-assisted laser cutting technology. The two primary methods—oxygen-assisted and nitrogen-assisted laser cutting—offer clean and efficient ways to shape aluminium for decorative garden screens, outdoor privacy screens, and other architectural products:
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Oxygen-Assisted Laser Cutting This method uses a stream of oxygen to blow away melted aluminium during cutting. Oxygen reacts with the metal, making it ideal for cutting thicker aluminium sheets, which are often used for durable outdoor screens and large-scale garden features.
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Nitrogen-Assisted Laser Cutting For thinner aluminium sheets, nitrogen is the preferred option. Nitrogen does not react with the metal, resulting in cleaner cuts with minimal risk of oxidation, which is ideal for creating precise decorative patterns for screens.
In both processes, the laser beam focuses on a small area of the aluminium sheet, heating it to the point of melting or vaporisation. A gas stream then removes the molten material, allowing for precise and intricate designs. Furthermore, our manufacturing facility is powered by renewable energy sources, ensuring the process remains carbon-free with zero CO2 emissions.
What Happens to the Waste?
Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop at manufacturing. All aluminium waste is 100% recycled at source. Waste is collected and transported to a recycling facility, where it is sorted and melted down into liquid form. This recycled material is then repurposed into new aluminium products, including garden screens and outdoor structures. Recycling aluminium conserves natural resources, significantly reduces energy consumption, and minimises environmental impact.
For more information on how aluminium recycling works, visit Recycle Now.
The Future of Aluminium Screens
So, what happens in 50 years? Aluminium screens remain a 100% recyclable product. While it’s impossible to predict the price of aluminium decades into the future, historical trends show its enduring value. You can track aluminium prices over the past 25 years here.
More than likely, your screens will retain value, with multiple candidates willing to pay for their removal and recycling. Aluminium outdoor privacy screens and decorative screens will continue to be a sought-after sustainable solution for residential and commercial spaces.
What About Composite Screening?
While some composite screens incorporate recycled materials during production, the end product itself is often non-recyclable. Due to the mix of plastic and wood, composite screens cannot be easily disposed of at recycling centres. Instead, they typically end up:
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In landfills, where they remain for hundreds of years.
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Or worse, incinerated, releasing harmful CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.
Although composite screens may offer a reasonable lifespan, their long-term environmental impact is undeniable. Once in landfills, these materials contribute to pollution and waste, making them a less sustainable choice compared to aluminium garden screens.
Why Choose Aluminium Garden Screens?
When you opt for aluminium garden screens, decorative outdoor screens, or privacy screens, you choose a product with a closed-loop lifecycle. From manufacturing to recycling, aluminium is 100% recyclable, ensuring minimal environmental impact and a sustainable choice for future generations. Aluminium is lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust, making it ideal for outdoor spaces.
By investing in aluminium screens, you’re not only enhancing your garden or outdoor space with stylish and functional privacy solutions but also making a conscious decision to support the environment. Choose sustainability, durability, and timeless design with aluminium garden screens.
Learn more about sustainable materials and recycling processes from WRAP UK