Cutting automotive greenhouse gas emissions

A new process developed by Ford Motor Co. and Alcan, Inc. is expected to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated by automotive manufacturing, the companies announced this month. The new process allows recycling of the 13 million pounds of scrap generated annually by producing the AA6111 aluminum alloy hoods for Ford’s popular Lincoln Town Cars, Ford Explorer sports utility vehicles, and Ford F-150 and Ranger pick-up trucks. This reduces the amount of aluminum ore that must be refined to produce the hoods, which requires a refining process using perfluorocarbons—a family of potent greenhouse gases. The recycling process eliminates 95% of the greenhouse gases associated with primary aluminum production and consumes 95% less energy, says Andy Acho, Ford Motor Company’s worldwide director of environmental outreach and strategy.