ECOEFICIÊNCIA NA PRÃTICA: RECICLAGEM DE ALUMÃNIO E GERAÇÃO DE RENDA

Abstract

Aluminum recycling provides a reduction in energy consumption when compared to production of primary aluminum. Furthermore it is considered as an opportunity to increase the waste value and generate new commercial products. In Brazil, recycling is an economic activity that belongs to a set of environmental solutions and is commonly carried out by independent small collectors and scrap dealers. This paper presents a case study from a company that manufactures aluminum parts using recycled aluminum. The main difference pointed out in this paper is that the company has integrated an environmental solution with economic gain. Despite the economic factors usually limiting alternatives for solving environmental problems, the application of the ecoefficiency concept by the company's management has resulted in the company becoming more economically viable and environmentally sound. The results show that it is possible to achieve economic and environmental benefits together.

Index Terms - Aluminum, Eco-efficiency, Recycling.