Constellium Recycles Aluminum from Aircraft for New Aerospace Use

Constellium Recycling

Constellium Advances Circular Economy in Aviation

French aluminum producer Constellium has successfully recycled aluminum scrap from retired commercial aircraft into new aerospace-grade materials. The company announced that the process produced 2024 aluminum alloy that meets strict performance standards for new plane manufacturing. This milestone strengthens efforts to build a circular economy in aviation, reducing reliance on emissions-intensive primary aluminum.

Constellium partnered with Tarmac Aerosave, an aircraft dismantling company formed by Airbus, Safran, and partners, to carry out the trial. The company now plans to scale operations and improve throughput rates, extending the recycling process to additional alloys used in aircraft construction.

Recycled Aerospace Alloys Meet Industry Demands

The 2024 aluminum alloy produced in the project is widely used in fuselage skins, wing structures, and engine nacelle coverings. Its composition includes 4.4% copper, 1.5% magnesium, and 0.6% manganese, with the balance aluminum. These properties make it essential for aerospace applications requiring strength and durability.

Historically, recycling aerospace-grade alloys posed challenges because coatings and attachments distorted the chemistry during remelting. Constellium claims its new process overcomes these barriers, making aircraft aluminum recycling technically and commercially feasible. As a result, the company’s innovation could reshape supply chains by reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Constellium’s breakthrough highlights a critical step toward decarbonizing the aerospace sector. By demonstrating that high-performance alloys can be recycled without compromising quality, the company positions itself as a leader in sustainable metals innovation. Scaling this process could significantly cut emissions and create a new standard for closed-loop manufacturing in aviation.