Low Carbon Aluminum Gains Clarity

Constantia Flexibles has set out a clearer industry benchmark for what constitutes Low Carbon Aluminum, outlining how verified carbon‑footprint thresholds and Mass Balance accounting can help customers achieve immediate Scope 3 emission reductions.

In a recent episode of Packaging Europe’s Sustainability Perspectives podcast, Matthias Hofinger, Senior Lead R&D Aluminum at Constantia Flexibles, explained that Low Carbon Aluminum must be defined by a specific, independently certified carbon‑footprint limit at the finished foil stage, not by broad claims such as renewable energy use or “below‑average” emissions. The company’s approach is verified under ISO 14067, aiming to remove ambiguity and strengthen transparency.

Hofinger highlighted that switching to Low Carbon Aluminum can deliver instant Scope 3 benefits without the need for requalification or homologation, making it a practical decarbonisation lever for packaging producers. He also noted that recycled content alone does not reflect the full environmental impact. A carbon‑footprint methodology captures the entire production system, including energy sources, processing efficiency, and the proportion of primary aluminum still required.

Despite these differences in environmental profile, technical performance remains unchanged. Where higher recycled content is used, quality‑control systems across the value chain ensure consistent material behaviour.