European Lead Sheet Association (ELSIA): Lead sheet producers respond to Copenhagen with green commitment

London, 22nd December 2009 – European lead sheet producers are leading the way in climate protection. With over 95% of products already produced from recycled metal all member companies of the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) have given an undertaking to reach the 100% level, and to manufacture all their products exclusively from recycled material, with immediate effect. With this remarkable commitment, the lead sheet manufacturers are setting a benchmark that rival material suppliers will find hard, if not impossible, to match.

“We think that making this final commitment to recycling confirms our responsible support for Copenhagen objectives. We hope that industry professionals and the public will take note of both this undertaking and the achievement that it represents. In terms of environmental protection lead sheet is now streets ahead of competing materials” says Frank Koehler, Communications Director of ELSIA.

When purchasing raw materials, architects, specifiers, home owners and contractors are increasingly making their decisions based on environmental considerations. In terms of sustainability lead sheet is proving to be hard to beat. In addition to its longevity (lead sheet will outlast most buildings on which it is fitted and will require minimal maintenance) it is also 100% recycled due to its intrinsic value. Efficient recycling systems exist across Europe that collect lead scrap for re-use; once melted it is a relatively simple process to remove impurities and produce ‘secondary’ lead without any loss of quality. This procedure can be infinitely repeated.

For many years ELSIA lead sheet producers have prioritised scrap and secondary lead for their raw material purchases; now they guarantee a ‘closed loop’ cycle.

Due to lead’s low melting point of 327 degrees Celsius, the cost of recycling is low. The energy consumed in producing secondary lead is up to 90% less than in the production of primary lead from ore. The use of secondary lead has eliminated the need for the transportation of lead ores from producing countries such as China, Australia or Canada, making a further contribution to climate protection. In addition, natural ore deposits are spared and preserved for future generations.

Facts and Figures

- Lead sheet usually outlasts the average 80-year lifespan of residential buildings.
- Due to its intrinsic value, scrap lead is 100% recovered from demolitions.
- Scrap lead can be efficiently recycled and reused, with no loss of quality.
- The production of secondary lead consumes up to 90% less energy (and associated CO2 emissions) than primary lead production.
- The recycling of lead sheet safeguards natural ore deposits for future generations and eliminates the need for bulk ore transportation.

– Photos free of charge upon request, © ELSIA (www.elsia.eu) –
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About ELSIA:
The European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) is the central trade association of the European lead sheet manufacturing industry. All members work to an established EN standard that guarantees the highest level of product quality. ELSIA is committed to funding long-term research and development to ensure that its products are environmentally sound. The members take a modern, responsible attitude to the health and safety of stakeholders and the environment.

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This release was published on openPR.