X-ECO

Alloys made from sustainable, low carbon aluminium with the same high-quality properties as alloys made from primary aluminium? E-MAX proves it with X-ECO.

For E-Max, the importance of sustainability is self-evident. In 2008, after years of intensive research and practical testing with recycled aluminium, we introduced alloys of premium quality sustainable aluminium under the brand name X-ECO.

Its excellent mechanical and surface properties have been confirmed by Vrije Universiteit Brussel after years of scientific research. Its sustainability has been demonstrated by DNV, an independent expert. DNV awarded E-MAX a Statement of Verification of CO2 emissions for X-ECO circular aluminium. This shows that the production of X-ECO incurs an extremely low carbon footprint of 2.03 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of aluminium.

When you choose the X-ECO alloy, you are choosing low carbon aluminium. The use of this alloy gives your finished product a lower carbon footprint. Many of our customers from the architecture and construction sectors have wholeheartedly embraced this alloy. The same quality, but with a lower impact on the environment. This is a perfect fit for the new, more sustainable building practices.

INFOGRAPHICS

We have condensed all of this information into a convenient summary. See the result and the effect on X-ECO premium circular aluminium at a glance.

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Stockfoto waarop een tablet zichtbaar is die vastgehouden wordt door een persoon waarnaast er een persoon is die met een pen naar het scherm wijst.

Why choose profiles with X-ECO alloy?

Extremely high quality
The name X-ECO conveys an important property of the product: equivalence. Because the properties of our sustainable, low carbon aluminium alloys are equivalent to those of primary aluminium.
Reducing CO2 emissions and energy consumption
Recycling of aluminium produces 60 to 80% less CO2 than the production of primary aluminium. Moreover, the resmelting of aluminium requires only 5% of the energy required for the production of primary aluminium.
Compliant with European standards
The properties of the X-ECO alloy are fully compliant with the following European standards: EN 486, EN 515, EN 573, EN 602, EN 755, EN 12020, and EN 15088.
Maximum percentage recycled aluminium
80% to 97% of the aluminium used to produce X-ECO has been recycled. The remaining amount is the primary aluminium. This is necessary in some cases to achieve the exact alloy composition.
Specific types available for building and construction applications
We recommend specific alloy types depending on your objectives. In addition, you always choose from a wide range of geometric profile cross-sections.
Local production, and therefore eco-friendly
The central location of our production sites offers benefits during processing and transport. Among other things, this means less environmental burden and lower transport costs.
Careful handling of the basic material and scrap
The recycled raw materials are carefully sampled and checked to achieve maximum reuse in the production process. This is done based on chemical composition and appearance. The advantage of this is that the correct chemical composition and recycling are always in balance, an approach that allows us to incorporate the highest possible percentage of recycled material.
Extremely accurate homogenization
In order to use billets optimally during the extrusion process, they are homogenized during the post-treatment. This is done in batch furnaces, where the variation in temperature never exceeds 5 °C. This process is monitored and regulated by temperature controllers.
Main process data are continuously measured, recorded, and archived
In accordance with the ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 quality standards, all individual process steps are continuously measured, recorded, and archived. That way, traceability is always guaranteed. You can rest assured that you will receive the best quality.
Mechanical properties
Due to the use of recycled material, X-ECO alloys are richer in alloy elements. The advantage is that a number of mechanical properties are more favourable than for primary aluminium. As a result, the same alloy can be used for multiple applications.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH INTO THE QUALITY OF CIRCULAR ALUMINIUM

For over a decade the company has conducted scientific research into the quality of circular aluminium, in collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The results of this research underscore the excellent performance of X-ECO premium circular aluminium, specifically:

  • A smooth, matt surface structure after etching. Given the right alloy composition and process parameters, a smooth, matt surface structure can be achieved.
  • Little colour variation after anodization. Good control over the etching process prevents colour differences.
  • Good resistance against filiform corrosion after powder coating. Good control over process parameters, coupled with the use of high-quality raw materials, leads to good resistance to filiform corrosion.
Aanzicht van een graafmachine wat scrap metaal in een smeltoven aan het kiepen is.