The Mercedes-Benz Supplier Circle took place in Stuttgart on June 19. Hydro was one of two companies to receive the Mercedes-Benz Supplier Award in the sustainability category. The Mercedes-Benz Supplier Award is presented annually to highlight outstanding supplier performance in three categories: innovation, quality and sustainability. Hydro received the award after supplying Mercedes-Benz with the first batch of its Hydro REDUXA 3.0 low-carbon aluminum earlier this year. The aluminum is produced at Hydro's plant in Årdal, Norway, using hydroelectric power, contains at least 25 percent post-consumer scrap and has a carbon footprint that is about 70 percent below the European average.
"This award is fantastic recognition for our efforts to drive sustainability in aluminum production. It shows that an important customer appreciates Hydro's commitment to decarbonization and minimizing environmental impact along the entire aluminum value chain," says Hilde Merete Aasheim, Hydro's President, and CEO, who accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Net zero by 2050
Hydro's self-imposed goal is to become a net-zero company by 2050, producing net-zero products and thus enabling a net-zero society. The company is currently working to reduce its own carbon emissions by 10 percent by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2018 levels. Full decarbonization will be achieved by increasing post-consumer scrap recycling in combination with the introduction of new technologies, including carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen, and new internal technology to eliminate carbon emissions from primary aluminum production.
Hydro's Environmental Strategy 2030 also calls for no net loss of biodiversity in new projects across Hydro's businesses and avoiding landfilling of recyclable waste and permanent storage of bauxite residues. Mercedes-Benz representatives visited Hydro's bauxite and alumina operations in the Brazilian state of Pará earlier this year.
"I am deeply impressed by Mercedes-Benz's efforts to ensure transparency and traceability throughout the value chain. Hydro recognizes that a comprehensive commitment to responsibility and sustainability is the only possible way to conduct our business in Brazil and elsewhere. We are proud of our achievements and grateful that Mercedes-Benz sees us as part of the solution for green transformation," said Aasheim.
Aluminum metals for Mercedes-Benz
To reduce weight without compromising safety, automakers are turning to aluminum, a strong and lightweight metal. Hydro is a major supplier of aluminum metal and extruded solutions. In December 2022, the two companies signed a partnership agreement to develop a joint technology roadmap for low-carbon automotive solutions. Hydro's REDUXA 3.0 aluminum has passed testing at Mercedes-Benz and will be introduced in large-scale production as early as this year, starting with the EQS and EQE series electric cars.
"To successfully implement our decarbonization strategies, we need to work with pioneers like Mercedes-Benz. Working in strategic partnerships with customers and other players in the value chain is an important way for Hydro to achieve our ambitions to shape the market for low-carbon and near-zero-carbon aluminum," Aasheim says.
