Alongside its use in the automotive sector, the aluminum also plays a key role in the production of domestic appliances. This metal, though, is energy-intensive in production. As part of a pilot project, Miele is now using primary aluminum in the manufacture of ovens produced exclusively using green electricity from hydropower. This way, Miele reduces its CO2 footprint by 645 tons a year and, in doing so, is making yet another contribution to greater sustainability in the supply chain. Miele first introduced the use of low-CO2 steel to the production of ovens in 2021. “We are the first in our branch of industry to prove that CO2-reduced aluminum can be successfully used in ovens and help reduce the CO2 footprint – says Hans Krug, Senior Vice President Procurement –. The objective is to use climate-friendly aluminum on a broad front and thereby contribute towards a future-proof economy”. In a first stage, Miele will this year order around 150 tons of CO2-reduced aluminum for the production of trim. This represents an integral part of the ovens manufactured by Miele in the Westphalian town of Oelde. The aluminum is converted into an alloy in the supplier’s own foundry, further processed and then supplied to Miele in the form of finished components. The aluminum is poured on lines which use regenerative burners which utilise waste heat from the production process. Rouven VierfuĂź, Plant Manager at Miele Oelde, lists a further benefit: “To improve our sustainability act even further, having a circular economy plays a central role. The aluminum used in our ovens is 100% recyclable”.
