Aluminium Scrap: The Ultimate Guide

Aluminium is one of the most versatile and widely used metals in the world. From automotive parts and beverage cans to construction materials and aerospace components, aluminium plays a vital role in multiple industries. For scrap buyers, understanding aluminium scrap types, pricing, and applications is essential to make informed decisions and maximize profits.

Why Aluminium Scrap Is Valuable

Aluminium is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and 100% recyclable without losing its properties. Recycling aluminium requires only 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium, making it both eco-friendly and cost-effective. This high recyclability ensures steady demand for aluminium scrap globally, especially from countries like India, China, and the Middle East.

For buyers, purchasing aluminium scrap not only helps meet industrial raw material needs but also provides an opportunity for sustainable investment.

Types of Aluminium Scrap

Aluminium scrap is classified based on purity, source, and usability. Knowing these types is crucial for buyers to select the right scrap for their needs.

1. Clean or Pure Aluminium Scrap

• Sourced directly from manufacturing processes like rolling, extrusions, and casting.
• Free from coatings, paint, or other metals.
• High resale value due to minimal processing required.

2. Taint/Tin-Free Aluminium Scrap

• Comes from used beverage cans, kitchen utensils, and packaging materials.
• Low contamination, making it ideal for remelting.

3. Zorba (Mixed Non-Ferrous Scrap)

• Contains shredded mixed non-ferrous metals including aluminium, copper, brass, and alloys.
• Large recyclers typically use eddy current separators to extract aluminium.
• Zorba scrap is less pure but abundant and cost-effective.

4. Aluminium Cans Scrap

• Collected from households, restaurants, and beverage factories.
• Offers consistent quality and high purity.

5. Rolling and Extrusion Scrap

• Generated during production of aluminium sheets, foils, and extruded profiles.
• Clean and easy to recycle, highly preferred by industrial buyers.

6. Painted and Coated Aluminium

• Includes window frames, doors, and painted sheets.
• Requires additional processing to remove coatings before remelting.

7. Cast Aluminium Scrap

• Comes from engine blocks, machinery parts, and automotive castings.
• Often contains alloys; buyers must verify composition before purchasing.

8. Taint/Tint or Mixed Alloys

• Found in industrial machinery, construction materials, and mixed aluminium products.
• Needs sorting before remelting for industrial applications.

Applications of Aluminium Scrap

• Automotive Industry: Engine parts, chassis, and wheels.
• Construction: Doors, windows, roofing sheets, and structural components.
• Packaging: Beverage cans, foils, and containers.
• Aerospace & Transportation: Aircraft parts and lightweight vehicle components.
• Electrical & Electronics: Wiring, panels, and casings.

Tips for Aluminium Scrap Buyers

• Know the Types: Always identify the type of scrap (clean, Zorba, tin-free, painted) to determine value.
• Check Purity: Higher purity scrap yields better resale value and lower processing costs.
• Bulk Purchase: Buying in bulk often reduces per-ton cost.
• Reliable Suppliers: Work with trusted suppliers to ensure consistent quality and compliance with export/import regulations.
• Market Rates: Stay updated with international aluminium scrap prices to negotiate effectively.

How to Store Aluminium Scrap

• Keep scrap in a dry, covered area to prevent corrosion.
• Separate different types to maintain purity.
• Avoid mixing with ferrous metals to prevent contamination.

Conclusion

• Aluminium scrap is a sustainable, high-demand resource that offers excellent opportunities for buyers. Understanding the types, applications, and quality factors is key to making profitable decisions. Whether you are sourcing from the UK, India, or global suppliers, staying informed ensures you purchase the right aluminium scrap for your industrial or trading needs.
• At SchemaShine Metals, we specialize in high-quality aluminium scrap — from HMS 1 & 2 to Zorba, Taint, and clean aluminium. Reach out to us today for reliable supply, competitive pricing, and global export solutions.