Domestic production and use

1. In 2006, 5 companies operated 13 primary aluminum smelters; 6 smelters were temporarily idled.
2. Based upon available market prices, the value of primary metal manufacture was $6 billion.
3. Aluminum use was centered in the East Central United States. Transportation accounted for an estimated 40% of domestic consumption; the remainder was used in packaging, 28%; building, 13%; consumer durables, 7%;electrical, 5%; and other, 7%.

Recycling

1. In 2006, aluminum improved from purchased scrap was about 3 million tons, of which about 64% came from new (manufacturing) scrap and 36% from old scrap
.
2. Aluminum recovered from old scrap was equivalent to about 18% of apparent consumption.

Substitutes

1. Copper can restore aluminum in electrical applications; magnesium, titanium, and steel can alternate for aluminum in structural and ground transportation uses
.
2. Composites, steel, and wood can substitute for aluminum in construction. Glass, paper, plastics, and steel can substitute for aluminum in packaging.

World Resources