Alfa Laval has produced titanium plates containing 25% recycled material at its gasketed plate heat exchanger factory in Jiangyin, China. The initiative is part of the company’s efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of its heat exchangers and improve resource efficiency.
The company increased the recycled titanium content from 10% to 25% by collecting manufacturing waste and sending it to titanium suppliers for remelting. Alfa Laval worked with a major titanium supplier to maintain plate quality and formability, which presents a challenge when increasing recycled content.
The initial production consists of a small-scale batch. Gasketed plate heat exchangers manufactured with these titanium plates will be delivered to customers in China. According to Alfa Laval, expanding the initiative will require further collaboration with industrial partners across the supply chain.
“Through close collaboration and relentless innovation, we have demonstrated that high-quality recycled titanium can meet the rigorous demands of our industry. This achievement is a testament to our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of our products and leading the way toward a more sustainable future,” said Carina Resare, Head of R&D, Business Unit Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers, Alfa Laval.
Madeleine Gilborne, President, Business Unit Gasketed Plate Heat Exchangers at Alfa Laval, said the project validates the use of recycled titanium in production and forms part of the company’s strategy to develop lower-carbon supply chains.
