Compared with some other metals, the extraction of primary aluminium by fused-salt electrolysis requires large amounts of energy. The energy costs incurred are thus a significant factor in the price of aluminium. It is therefore in the aluminium industry’s own economic interest to reduce this energy demand and thus energy costs.

Although the price of aluminium is in some cases higher than that of its competitors, this “disadvantage” is more than compensated for when it comes to aluminium applications. For example, in the transportation sector the reduced weight of a vehicle leads to a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

In the building industry, the structural and design flexibility associated with aluminium provides the necessary prerequisite for putting new architectural ideas into practice whilst maintaining long-term stability. In addition, the virtual freedom from maintenance of aluminium products contributes to their long-term cost effectiveness.