In our previous article, we introduced the concept of LIXIL’s recycled aluminum “PremiAL” and its mission to reduce CO2 emissions. However, in the construction materials industry, using 100% recycled content often comes with concerns regarding quality.
How does LIXIL VINA apply its proprietary technologies to completely eliminate these barriers and provide “PremiAL” aluminum extrusions with quality equivalent to virgin aluminum? This article takes a deep dive into those advanced manufacturing processes and technologies.
1. High-Precision Sorting Technology: Solving the Challenge of Impurities
The primary reason aluminum recycling has historically struggled to gain traction in the industry is the contamination of impurities. Discarded window sashes often have various components attached, such as screws and crescent locks, or consist of mixed alloys. Consequently, these materials could not be fed directly into melting furnaces for reuse in their original state.
The Greatest Recycling Challenge: Discarded aluminum sashes have various parts attached, making them difficult to recycle in their original state.
To overcome this barrier, LIXIL co-developed technology with its suppliers to remove impurities and sort only recycled aluminum. This robust partnership, built over many years, has made the following possible:
- The complete removal of metallic and non-metallic parts (impurities) mixed within the scrap.
- The selection of only high-quality recycled aluminum.
- The stable procurement of high-grade aluminum scrap.
2. Innovation in Raw Material Processing and Melting Technology
In the manufacturing plant, the management of input materials and the melting process directly impact the purity of the billets. LIXIL applies the most stringent technical standards at this stage:
- Strict Raw Material Management: We have established a secure production system by storing raw materials indoors. Furthermore, specialized pre-treatments are conducted prior to input to ensure thorough management of material types and alloy compositions.
- Innovation in Melting Equipment and Methods: We have achieved greater melting efficiency through equipment upgrades. Additionally, improvements in melting techniques have enabled the utilization of a diverse range of scrap materials.
3. Post-Process Quality Control: Establishing Quality Equivalent to Primary Aluminum
Melting is only half the process. To create perfect “PremiAL” aluminum extrusions, LIXIL implements an integrated manufacturing process that encompasses not only casting but the entire production cycle.
By innovating manufacturing conditions across the production line, we ensure the high quality required for the final product. LIXIL’s proprietary recycling technology establishes a level of quality equivalent to primary aluminum (new ingot) in three core aspects:
- Chemical Composition: We precisely adjust and secure the aluminum alloy chemical values necessary to maintain high performance.
- Mechanical Properties: We guarantee the mechanical properties that ensure the structural strength of our aluminum extrusions.
- Color Tone (Appearance): We achieve an aesthetic finish and color tone that is indistinguishable from primary aluminum.
PremiAL possesses quality equivalent to primary aluminum in terms of chemical composition, mechanical properties, and color tone.
4. The Culmination of Technology: CO2 Emission Reduction Effects through “PremiAL”
Through the advanced recycling technologies mentioned above, LIXIL successfully balances reliable quality with high environmental performance. Our low-carbon aluminum extrusion brand, “PremiAL,” features the “R70” and “R100” series, both available on a made-to-order basis.
By replacing primary aluminum with “PremiAL”—which utilizes a significantly higher ratio of recycled aluminum—CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process can be substantially reduced. (*Applicable only to aluminum extrusions manufactured by LIXIL)
【CO2 Emission Reduction Effects and Product Lineup (As of September 2025)】
Conclusion
PremiAL’s manufacturing technology is more than just a process of melting scrap; it is a comprehensive technical system that encompasses everything from initial sorting and high-precision classification to optimized melting and rigorous extrusion molding. The acquisition of the “SuMPO EPD” third-party verification provides clear evidence of transparency by visualizing the environmental impact of the building materials used in construction.
“PremiAL” has obtained the “SuMPO EPD” certification, providing transparency by visualizing its environmental impact.
By adopting LIXIL’s “PremiAL,” our B2B partners can confidently utilize eco-friendly materials that meet sustainable development standards—all without compromising on mechanical quality or aesthetic appeal.
For more detailed information regarding LIXIL “PremiAL’s” advanced recycling technologies and our commitment to a sustainable future, please visit our dedicated website below.
👉PremiAL