Enhancing Sustainability in Aluminum Manufacturing with Commonwealth Rolled Products

Challenge

Commonwealth Rolled Products (CRP), a Kentucky-based manufacturer of aluminium rolled products, is globally renowned for its products that span several diverse sectors including automotive, industrial, and consumer goods. Commonwealth’s cutting-edge Lewisport rolling mill spans 53 acres and is powered by a dedicated team of over 1,000 skilled professionals, delivering innovation and quality at every turn.

CRP determined they needed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study to evaluate the environmental impact of their products throughout the life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to disposal. This comprehensive cradle-to-grave analysis would help the company to identify areas of improvement, strengthen its environmental performance, and enhance its decarbonization strategy. Commonwealth sought an LCA study as part of its journey towards Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification, a globally recognized standard.

dss⁺ Approach

dss⁺ began by verifying that the LCA study complies with international standards and confirmed that the methods used were both scientifically and technically robust, reinforcing the company’s objectives. With the foundation established, dss⁺ implemented the study of Commonwealth’s rolled aluminium coiled products and implemented a three-phased approach to reach their objectives.

By embedding an internal project team and executing a Materiality Assessment, valuable data was gathered to identify and evaluate which issues were of priority for CRP. dss⁺ gathered and organized the collected data, drafting an initial report that was reviewed by CRP. A final report was tailored for Commonwealth to strengthen their sustainability strategy and reporting.

Assignment

To conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study to understand the environmental impact of products used and to help the company achieve an Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification.

Offering

Peer reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Study and fact sheet development for external communication

Impact

• Tracked all direct and indirect emissions across the entire value chain, Commonwealth Rolled Products gained a comprehensive view of their carbon footprint.
• Identified key opportunities for CRP to reduce emissions, optimize sourcing, and improve cost efficiency.
• LCA insights reinforced CRP’s metal strategy by validating the benefits of high recycled content.
• The LCA study helped move CRP closer to ASI certification.
• Identified potential improvement opportunities in line with their decarbonization strategy.