Management of Social and Ethical Impacts from the Product Life Cycle of High End Wrought Aluminium Products

Abstract There is a growing interest to use recycled low-grade aluminium wrought alloys in high end structural components in the automotive industry. High energy consumption in extraction and production of virgin aluminium makes it environmentally favorable to increase the use of recycled post-consumer wrought alloys. Such use of low-grade wrought alloy aluminium, however, introduces new actors to a previously known and familiar product system, and belonging new and unfamiliar social and ethical aspects. The objective of the article is to present a simplified method for social life cycle assessment (SLCA) for such products tailored for original equipment manufacturers in the automotive industry. By using the method, an overview of social and ethical impacts from all life cycle stage will be provided, including an aggregated display for all life cycle stages together. The results can be used to compare different design alternatives and value chain actors, or to identify options for reducing potential negative impacts through manufacturing in global value chains through risk management. Comparative studies can be made for materials (various alloys, degrees of recycled alloys), production, or end of life alternatives for social responsible companies. Using a front lower control arm for personal vehicles as test case, the article will present the social impacts from different material alternatives over the product's life cycle, and how they can be managed. The proposed method may also be used in other settings to provide actionable insights.