Speira, the leading rolling and recycling company, has announced a significant investment in its Karmøy plant with the installation of a cutting-edge aluminium slag press.
This NOK 6 million initiative is set to revolutionise the recycling of aluminium production waste, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability.
“Not only will the quality of the product be higher, but we will reduce both operating costs and waste from production,” stated Pål Tage Endresen, the plant manager at Speira Karmøy.
The advanced slag press will enhance the efficiency of recycling and treatment of aluminium slag, an oxide layer that forms during aluminium production.
The slag press operates by cooling and compressing the aluminium melt out of the oxide under high pressure.
This 30-minute process yields a recycled aluminium product, significantly minimising waste and promoting material reuse.
Speira’s commitment to a sustainable future
Recycling and treating aluminium slag are pivotal to Speira’s strategy for sustainability.
Endresen explained: “We have a stated goal of setting the standard for sustainability in our industry.
“It is all about being strongly connected to the community in which we work and live and aware of the role we can play in ensuring a sustainable future. Optimisation of production, processing and recycling are keywords in this context.”
Optimising production, processing, and recycling processes are central to Speira’s efforts. The new slag press is one of several investments Speira has made in Karmøy since its separation from Hydro in 2021.
Ongoing Investments in Karmøy
Speira has invested over NOK 100 million in new technology and upgrades at the Karmøy plant over the past three years.
Alongside the new slag press, the company has introduced a new grinding machine and upgraded several production lines.
“Investing in new equipment is very important for Speira to be competitive in the future. The new slag press, which has already been placed on order, has twice the capacity of today’s equipment and will help consolidate our position as a leading player for rolled and recycled aluminium products,” added Endresen.
The new slag press is expected to be delivered in early 2025, marking a significant advancement in Speira’s pursuit of enhanced sustainability and operational excellence.
