Mercedes-Benz and Hydro deepen partnership for low-CO2 aluminum
Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker in Europe to use Hydro CIRCAL, recycled aluminum with 75% post-consumer content, in series production.
- 75%
- >70%
- 2023-2030
What Happened
Mercedes-Benz and Hydro are expanding their partnership to decarbonize aluminum in Europe. As a first step, Mercedes-Benz becomes the first automaker in Europe to use Hydro CIRCAL in series production for the next generation of large electric vehicles. This recycled aluminum contains at least 75% post-consumer recyclate, a significant increase from the current supply of around 25%.
75%
Up from approximately 25% in current supply from Hydro.
“The next generation of automotive supply chains will be characterized by transparency, circular economy, and strong regional value chains. Together with Hydro, we are shaping this future. We show that resilient supply chains and lower emissions go hand in hand – creating long-term value for our customers, our company, and society.”
Mercedes-Benz and Hydro signed a Letter of Intent for a CO2-low technology roadmap for 2023-2030.
Partnership expanded to cover the entire aluminum value chain, from raw material to finished product.
Launched the Corridor program in Brazil to strengthen social responsibility and human rights due diligence in the supply chain.
On the primary aluminum route, Mercedes-Benz and Hydro are working to reduce the CO2 footprint at industrial scale. Additional volumes of Hydro REDUXA, a low-carbon primary aluminum produced using renewable energy, are allocated to Mercedes-Benz. The CO2 footprint of Hydro REDUXA is more than 70% below the global average, highlighting potential for further emission reductions in automotive applications.
“The automotive industry needs materials that can reduce emissions without compromising quality, safety, or performance. With the combination of recycled Hydro CIRCAL and CO2-reduced primary aluminum Hydro REDUXA, we can accelerate the transition to lower-CO2 vehicles while building more resilient supply chains. This partnership shows how Hydro, as a leading provider of recycled and CO2-reduced alu”
Why this matters
This partnership reduces the carbon footprint of aluminum used in cars, a key material for lightweighting and efficiency. By sourcing recycled and low-CO2 primary aluminum, Mercedes-Benz strengthens regional supply chains and shows that high-quality recycled content meets automotive standards. For buyers, it means greener vehicles; for the industry, it demonstrates a viable path to decarbonizing materials.
Terms in This Story
- post-consumer recyclate
- Recycled material that comes from products that have been used and discarded by consumers.
- Hydro CIRCAL
- A brand of recycled aluminum containing a minimum of 75% post-consumer scrap.
- Hydro REDUXA
- A brand of low-carbon primary aluminum produced using renewable energy.
- CO2 footprint
- The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly or indirectly by a product or activity.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.