Aluminium Social Aspects

Aluminium fo r Fu tu re Generations

Foreword Economy, ecology and social aspects are the

Socio-politically important activities like

three pillars that support the globally recog-

these not only improve an industry’s image,

nised guiding principle of sustainable devel-

such as that of the mining and metals in-

opment. This comprehensive presentation by

dustry, but also take into account the demand

the aluminium industry on social aspects at

for compensation for unavoidable external

product and plant level, including inter-

effects so that sustainable development can

national involvements, is a good contribution

be achieved.

to the implementation and further develop-

The aluminium industry and its companies

ment of the concept of sustainability.

play a leading role in such pioneering methods

This is a field where the mining and metals

of social commitment and are among the most

industry can look back on a long tradition of

active worldwide, as shown by numerous

establishing social facilities, particularly in

examples from Australia, Jamaica, Brazil and

regions where there is little infrastructure.

Germany.

Mines and metal smelters tend to be found in somewhat isolated locations in most countries. A very long time ago, mining and metals companies were among the first to introduce the practice, now common, of building and maintaining schools, clinics and sports facilities. Such social facilities benefit not only the workers directly employed by the company. It is not uncommon for them to be made available to other people living in the vicinity of the company location, too. In recent years, such social services for the local population have even been improved. This is because companies have seized on the modern stakeholder concept. They give consideration to everyone involved who has a genuine interest

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. rer. pol. Werner Gocht since 1980 Professor of the Research Institute for International Technical and Economic Co-operation at the RWTH Aachen

and have applied this concept not only to the ecological rights of the public at large but

Consultant to various mining and infrastructure projects in twelve developing countries

also to social orientation. 1990 - 2000 Member and chairman of the UNCTAD Common Fund for Commodities Consultative Committee since 1985 Member and chairman of the Scientific Council of the Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development since 1986 Trustee of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources.

Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Social aspects at plant level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Labour costs and “hidden” social contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Human resources management: from traininig to exchange of ideas . . . . . . . . . . Modern approaches to working hours: with an element of sovereignty over time Safety at work: statistics show marked fall in accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EKD award – for exemplary aluminium plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Example of social involvement of plants and workforces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . . . .

6 6 7 7 8 8 9

Sozial aspects at product level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aluminium in transport – an integral part of modern-day mobility Aluminium in packaging – not just for healthy eating . . . . . . . . . . Aluminium and health – from fitness equipment to noise barriers Aluminium offers safety and security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aluminium and living – more than just a roof over one’s head . . .

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10 10 12 12 13 14

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Sozial aspects at an international level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Commitment at plant level worldwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Solar cooker – helping people to help themselves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4

Introduction Is corporate citizenship now going to be the follow-up to lean management and shareholder value? The signals coming from the World Economic Forum in Davos or the Global Reporting Initiative indicate that the social dimension of how a company does business is not only gaining importance when it comes to the discussion about sustainable development. Ever since the United Nations’ conference

scribe benefits that are outside the narrow

in Rio in 1992, the guiding principle of sus-

confines of self-interest. It is related to the ful-

tainable development has gained general rec-

filment of needs, to improving the standard

ognition. There is no controversy regarding

of living, to a life that is “worth living”.

the equal importance of economical, ecologi-

There is undoubtedly still a lot that needs to

cal and social objectives, which is the main

be done in this field, but even so, a lot has al-

idea behind this guiding principle; likewise,

ready been achieved. Using the aluminium in-

An eagle – Germany’s national

the need to ensure that resources are fairly

dustry as an example, this report will show so-

emblem – made of aluminium, in the

shared by a given generation and between

cial aspects associated with this industry, its

Lower House of Parliament.

successive generations is now recognised.

factories and the products it creates.

The German aluminium industry has also

In reply to a question from the Bündnis

acknowledged the principles of sustainable

90/Die Grünen (United Left/The Greens) par-

development.1

liamentary party in 1997, the then German

Of course, in the past this discussion was

Federal Government stated that aluminium

dominated by ecological considerations in

played an important role from a social point

the highly developed countries. By contrast,

of view, too:

the social dimension of the above-mentioned three-pronged target tended to be ignored. This now appears to be changing. One indication of this is that under the banner of “cor-

“Aluminium makes a significant contribution to satisfying basic needs, like mobility, housing, safety and

porate citizenship” consideration is now being given to a company’s social responsibility and to concepts of socially correct business dealings, while at the same time bearing the

security, healthy eating and medical care, in an economic and environmentally acceptable manner.”2

aspects of sustainability in mind. The term “social” is used here in the generally accepted sense, meaning “relating to society 1

or the public at large” or “beneficial to the community”. The term is thus used to de-

5

2

GDA: Aluminium – A Sustainable Material, Düsseldorf German Federal Parliament, 13th Legislative Period. BundestagsDrucksache 13/6833 dated 28.01.1997 (non-authorised translation)

Social aspects at plant level The German aluminium industry is an important economic factor with good growth prospects. Directly, it provides work and income for about 75,000 employees. However, it is not only workers and their families who benefit from the economic

■ the plants of customers and equipment

suppliers

strength of this industry, but also lots of

■ trading and service industries.

people who are employed in:

In addition, there are a lot of social factors at plant level that often go unnoticed by the public.

Labour costs and “hidden” benefits The above-mentioned figure for the number of people directly employed represents a

■ payments related to a company’s own

pension scheme

total wage bill of approximately four billion

■ additional contributions made by the

euros. For the individual plants these are

plants, such as the costs of industrial

The aluminium industry is a

labour costs, but for the economy it means,

training and further education, facilities

significant economic factor and

amongst other things, purchasing power,

for the workforce, events to celebrate long

an important employer.

which in turn increases demand. The wage

service and works canteens.

bill contains markedly different remuneration components, including:

Nowadays, in the German metal industry,

■ direct payments to workers for the time

these additional labour costs are equivalent

they spend at their place of work ■ payments for days not worked, such as

holidays and sick leave

to about 79 percent of the direct wage payments, or 58 percent of the gross total cost for wages and salaries. The figures for the

■ special payments, such as bonuses, Christ-

aluminium industry will be of the same order

mas and holiday bonuses and benefits

of magnitude, too. This is equivalent to sev-

linked to schemes to encourage savings.

eral billion euros that the companies make as “social” contributions.

In addition, the plants are faced with other

Furthermore, the taxes paid by the alumin-

labour costs, such as:

ium industry at communal, regional and na-

■ mandatory contributions made by the

tional level make additional government and

employer to pension funds and to insur-

social benefits possible, of course.

ance schemes covering unemployment, medical care, nursing care and accidents

6

Human resources management: from traininig to exchange of ideas A qualified and motivated team of workers

In addition, companies strive to utilise the

is an important prerequisite for companies

experience and creativity of their employees

to be successful in the marketplace. This

in everyday working situations. Each com-

applies to the aluminium industry just as

pany tries to tap the expert knowledge of its

much as it does to any other industry. The

employees, such as by means of:

key catchwords of modern human resources

■ suggestion schemes at plant level

management are:

■ creativity offensives

■ training and further education,

■ processes for achieving continual

■ staff promotion, ■ personal development and

improvement or ■ bourses for exchange of ideas.

■ future staffing.

Nowadays, one is not only interested in imParticularly important from a social point of

proving processes and work procedures and

view is the fact that the companies offer

thus improving productivity. Lots of com-

young people apprenticeships, and with it

panies in the aluminium industry encourage

Economic success is impossible

the chance to make something of their lives.

workers to extend their suggestions to cover

without qualified personnel. This also

For example, the Gesamtverband der Alu-

safety at work and the environment. The

means that the aluminium industry

miniumindustrie (GDA), the Düsseldorf-

many suggestions for improvements made

has to attract young people.

based trade association representing the alu-

every year demonstrate the large potential

minium industry in Germany, organises an

the employees have to offer and how keen

exchange for young people seeking practi-

they are to contribute to the success of the

cal experience.

company.

Modern approaches to working hours: with an element of sovereignty over time Whereas the eighties were characterised by

called “savings accounts” for working hours.

the unions’ demands for a shorter working

Employees can use them as “deposit ac-

week, the nineties were marked by the

counts” for extra hours worked, free days

introduction of flexible working hours. This

accumulated by flexitime or unused annual

enables companies to respond better to

leave, and then take them off in large blocks

fluctuations in demand and operate capital-

at a later date or even use them to bring for-

intensive machines and equipment for

ward the date of their retirement. These

longer periods. For the plants, it helps ensure

arrangements, coupled with union agree-

their future against increasingly harder

ments on shorter working hours for older

competition.

workers, give an employee a certain de-

Modern schemes for working hours also

gree of sovereignty over the time he has

offer more and more employees in the alu-

to work – he can arrange his working life

minium industry the possibility to open so-

more individually.

7

Safety at work: statistics show marked fall in accidents

Accident rate

(Accidents per million hours worked)

50 recordable accident rate - numerical value only Restricted work/medical treatment accident rate Lost time accident rate

40 35 30

27 20 15 12 10

8

6

4

2

2000

Smelters

1999

2000

cidents and protection of health

end of the year. Anyone who did not have a

are just as important for the

reportable accident during the preceding

success of a company as product

year is eligible to participate. The main prize

quality and productivity. For the

is a compact car and there are also several

firms in the German aluminium

other lucrative prizes.

industry, the health and safety of

Today, safety at work is an integral part of the

their workers has the highest

management system. As with environmen-

priority. This is reflected in ac-

tal protection, in all companies that operate

8

cident figures, which have con-

globally, the rules for safety at work usually

3

2

tinuously been declining.

apply on a company-wide basis. Systematic

2000

Besides investments in technical

auditing, clearly defined standards and bind-

improvements, it is primarily

ing guidelines define the main requirements

1999

Refineries

one plant, for example, a draw is made at the

8,5

0 1999

Safety at work, prevention of ac-

Mines

practice-oriented training and

in the plants for safety at work from an

Accident rates worldwide

qualification measures aimed at identifying

organisational and technical point of view.

(Source: IAI Safety Performance

risks that have contributed to this positive

Lots of companies have specifically stated

Benchmarking 2000)

development. This is consistent with the ex-

that it is their intention to reduce work-re-

perience that most accidents at work are be-

lated injuries and sickness to zero, and have

haviour and organisation related.

increasingly met this target in recent years. To

Some companies combine their preventive

ensure that this remains so, many companies

measures for worker protection with awards

are also planning to check their safety stan-

for the plant with the best safety record and

dards regularly via audits.

with internal competitions and incentives. In

EKD award – for exemplary aluminium plants For the past two years, the Evangelical

ium industry was honoured for being above-

Church of Germany (EKD) has been honour-

average and exemplary in maintaining jobs

ing companies whose involvement for work

and creating new ones, for taking on long-

and employment has distinguished them from

term unemployed, for its relatively large num-

others and established social benchmarks.

ber of apprenticeships, for encouragement

The winning companies are presented with its

given to female employees and for the co-

EKD “Arbeit Plus” (Work Plus) seal. As the

operation between the management and the

first step in the evaluation, the independent

works council.

Institute for Commercial and Social Ethic at

In 2000, the EKD “Arbeit Plus” seal was

the University of Marburg prepares an ex-

awarded to another aluminium company.

Awards are made to companies that

pert opinion on the company in question. A

This time emphasis was placed on the com-

demonstrate a special commitment

committee comprising, among others, rep-

pany’s involvement in the training of young

to the social aspects of work and

resentatives from the plant administration

people, its above-average employment of

employment, for example by the

and trade unions then makes the final decision.

handicapped persons, the low level of sick-

Evangelical Church of Germany

So far, a company from the aluminium in-

ness, the working-hours schemes in opera-

(EKD). Two companies from the

dustry has been honoured each year.

tion and the external co-operation with cham-

German aluminium industry have

Of the 13 award winners from German in-

bers of commerce and organisations repre-

been awarded the EKD’s “Arbeit

dustry in 1999, a company from the alumin-

senting employers and employees.

Plus” (Work Plus) seal.

8

Examples of social involvement of plants and workforces When it comes to the social aspects at plant level, one should mention above all the efforts of employees that go above and beyond everyday involvement. Financial contributions: The aluminium

went to support a refuge for battered

industry, and the people who work there,

women, children with cancer and a work-

offer their support in cash or in kind to pro-

shop for the disabled.

jects from “neighbourhood schemes” through

■ Another example is the support that has

to projects in developing countries. The con-

been given for many years to a develop-

tributions are used in sport, culture, envi-

ment project organised by the church

ronment, health and church projects, or to

in Zimbabwe. Recently, an aluminium-

support UNICEF, the United Nations’ chil-

recycling furnace was installed there for

dren’s aid organisation:

training purposes.

■ Workers from various aluminium com-

■ The aluminium industry also demon-

panies made collections for earthquake

strates its social involvement when it

victims in Turkey. Others have supported

comes to school partnership projects.

UNICEF by contributing an hour’s earn-

For example, one aluminium company

ings. And yet others have donated a

contributed 5.5 tonnes of aluminium

part of their premium from plant sugges-

sheet to an aid shipment being sent to

tion schemes to support social facilities;

Mozambique, so that some of the partner

at one company alone the sum involved

schools could have a rainproof cover

was about euros 50,000, which in part

over their heads.

School projects: Today’s schoolchildren

■ “Electricity and magnetism” in physics

are tomorrow’s trainees. At an early age,

■ “Environmental protection in the pro-

young people should be able to get some work experience so that they can check out where their interests really lie and get to know

duction of aluminium” in biology ■ “Creative approach to aluminium” in arts

and craft

what sort of training is available. This is

Talks between a school and an aluminium

achieved in part by project weeks, in which

plant generated ideas for 20 projects.

schoolchildren complete a practical course

Together with teachers from the School/In-

and in part by companies arranging guided

dustry Working Group, the Germany-based

tours of their plants, so that the various

Aluminium Association (GDA) produced

manufacturing sequences can be followed

teaching material some years ago. This in-

at close range.

cluded texts, overheads and a teaching case

It is important to extend and intensify these

full of illustrative material on the subject of

contacts between schools and plants. Good

aluminium. Project sheets suitable for school-

examples here are the projects involving alu-

children are currently being developed in co-

minium companies and schools in which both

operation with the Chair of Didactics at the

sides develop topics to be covered in the

University of Erlangen-Nürnberg. The whole

classroom. These topics cover various as-

range of teaching materials was presented

pects of aluminium and are dealt with in dif-

to a broader public at Education Fair 2001 in

ferent lessons, such as

February 2001.

■ “Geographical factors and deposits of raw

materials” in geography

9

A case containing numerous teaching aids and illustrative material related to aluminium is one of the many items offered by the aluminium industry and the AIS (Aluminium Information Service).

Social aspects at product level The purpose of all economic activity is to satisfy human and social needs. The areas of need are wide ranging and only a selection can be dealt with briefly here. Aluminium products play an important role when it comes to modern day mobility, the protection and encouragement of good health, modern living standards, safety and more.

Aluminium in transport – an integral part of modern-day mobility Nowadays, mobility is a basic need like eat-

This is all inconceivable without efficient

ing, sleeping and living. Where labour is very

transport systems. And they all contain alu-

specialised, passenger transport and the

minium: whether it is a car, lorry, bus, train,

movement of goods are of key importance

ship or aeroplane – lightweight construction

if people are to reap the benefits of living in

is needed to consume as little energy as

an advanced industrial society. Goods come

possible and thus conserve finite resources for

from all over the globe. The low-priced super-

future generations and minimise emissions

market is usually to be found at an out-of-

of greenhouse gases and pollutants that are a

town location. Workplaces are rarely within

risk to health. On top of all this, the materials

walking distance. Relatives and friends often

have to be such that they afford a high degree

live several hundred kilometres away. People

of safety. Aluminium is the material that ful-

want to live an active and eventful life. This

fils these requirements.

includes holidays in foreign countries, visiting events and lots more. Transport without aluminium? It’s unimaginable! For example, there wouldn’t be any aircraft. Whether lorry, bus, train or ship – lightweight design is needed to save energy.

10

Greater safety and more mobility for

When one thinks of flying one usually has

“small” purses: A reduction in a vehicle’s

the best time of the year in mind – a holiday.

weight benefits both active and passive safety

Whether it be a seaside holiday in southern

because the lighter the vehicle, the shorter is

Europe or looking for traces of foreign cul-

its breaking distance. A few metres can de-

tures in far-away places – once a year one

cide whether or not an accident occurs and

wants to get away from the stress of work

people are injured.

and relax, gain new impressions, enjoy the

In addition, crash tests show that aluminium

countryside and culture, recharge the bat-

structures absorb at least as much energy as

teries. Without aluminium it would be diffi-

steel structures. Thus, flexible aluminium tubes

cult to satisfy this desire. Since the early days

are increasingly being used for the side-on

of flying the key question has been how to re-

crash protection in cars. Aluminium crash-

duce the weight of aircraft. When it comes to

boxes between the bumper and the front of the

selecting materials, aircraft designers think

vehicle serve to dissipate energy in the event

first and foremost in terms of aluminium.

of a head-on collision. The aluminium in-

New processes help to further reduce manu-

dustry is working together with car-makers to

facturing and operating costs and thus also put

develop new materials, especially for lighter

flying within the reach of those on a limited

and stiffer components. Foamed aluminium

budget. Nowadays, structural components

is a new material that is lighter than water

for an Airbus wing can be milled from a single

but nevertheless has an extremely high stiff-

piece whereas 164 rivets and 15 components

ness – a combination of properties which

used to be required. This has reduced the

makes it possible to improve the design of the

manufacturing costs by about a quarter and

collapsible zone and offer greater protection

the weight by about a fifth, and the life of

if collisions occur.

the component has been increased tenfold.

Mobility – a basic characteristic of our society. Active and passive safety are of paramount importance if everyone is going to reach his

Mobility has many faces: One travels long

walking aids or transport aids for the disabled,

destination safely. Aluminium plays

distances using the most appropriate means

the infirm or senior citizens. Aluminium is

an important role here, and in

of transport but one travels short journeys

used here, too – for example in wheelchairs,

reducing energy consumption, too.

under one’s own steam, with or without any

walking frames and stair-lifts. The alumin-

aids. Whether it be a scooter, cycle, escala-

ium used here enables these citizens to also

tor or pull-along shopping trolley – every

have an active social life without having to

day we use products that contain aluminium.

rely on third parties.

This is especially the case when it comes to

11

Aluminium in packaging – not just for healthy eating Packaging is indispensable if products are to

The manufacturers of aluminium packaging

reach the consumer undamaged, and thus

are continually developing new methods to

avoid squandering economic resources. In

make product manipulation easy to spot.

a society where products are transported

Thus, for example, a tablet foil was devel-

over long distances and are frequently han-

oped that is characterised by a special colour

dled before they reach the consumer, one can-

spectrum that cannot be copied. By taking a

not imagine what it would be like without

quick look at the blister pack, doctors, phar-

packaging.

macists and customers can tell whether it is

Aluminium packaging offers a number of

the genuine article or a fake.

benefits. It provides unique barrier proper-

In view of changing socio-demographic de-

ties, which ensure that food and medicines are

velopments and eating habits, aluminium

protected against potentially damaging ex-

packaging is also beneficial. In small house-

ternal influences. Even an extremely thin layer

holds and those in which both partners work,

of foil maintains the freshness of foodstuffs

ready meals in aluminium foil dishes pro-

Aluminium packaging provides

that quickly deteriorate, such as milk; alu-

vide a warm meal without any time-consum-

protection for the goods and security

minium also enables medicines to be trans-

ing preparation and cooking. In social facili-

for the consumer. From medication

ported and stored in tropical regions.

ties, such as hospitals, canteens or when nurs-

to foodstuffs – aluminium packaging

Aluminium packaging is a guarantee for the

ing the aged, they also ensure that the neces-

helps conserve economic resources.

consumer that the goods he purchases have

sary standards of hygiene are adhered to.

not been tampered with. This is of great importance when it comes to sensitive products.

Aluminium and health – from fitness equipment to noise barriers In various chemical compounds, aluminium

light running shoes are fitted with aluminium

exhibits a healing effect. There is a range of

spikes that give them optimum grip on the tar-

aluminium preparations that are used in

tan track. Such “wonder shoes” are restricted

remedies that act as astringents (i.e. they

to a small elite group of athletes but there is

have power to draw soft organic tissues to-

lots of sports equipment made of aluminium

gether), disinfectants or as a means of pre-

to which the general public has access: for

venting inflammation. Aluminium makes

example, rowing machines or aluminium-

pain-killers such as Aspirin bearable. It is

framed cycles. Or one can think of alumin-

used for heartburn and gastric ulcers. As alu-

ium high-tech scooters, which became the

minium acetate it encourages grazes to heal.

sales hit and dragged children and adoles-

In gargles it acts as an astringent and allevi-

cents away from their computers and onto

ates throat pains.

the streets in droves. This, too, is a benefit to

It is generally well known that sporting ac-

health. The same applies to aluminium studs

tivities are good for the heart and circulatory

for football boots. It only needs the goalposts

Sport is good for health.

system. In one way or another, aluminium is

to also be made of the light metal, just as

It strengthens the heart and improves

present in many sporting and fitness activi-

they are in professional matches, and the

the circulation. One feels fit and

ties: especially where lightweight materials

recreational pleasure is complete.

is less susceptible to illnesses.

improve performance. Aluminium is also

Aluminium can promote health in numerous

Aluminium helps – with sports and

around when 100-metre sprinters like Mau-

ways. As a noise barrier along the side of

fitness equipment that is rigidly

rice Greene and Marion Jones set new world

motorways or railways it protects local resi-

built and safe.

records or win Olympic medals. Their super-

dents from the sound of vehicles rushing by.

12

And aluminium-spring-interior mattresses

vibrations and makes for a more peaceful

were recently introduced for people who have

night’s sleep.

problems sleeping. Aluminium dampens the

Aluminium offers safety and security There is no denying the need for safety and

aluminium: primarily, to keep the injured

security. These are often closely related to

warm. We should also not forget to mention

questions of health. But being safe from crimi-

aluminium stretchers. They make things eas-

nals and accidents is also important.

ier for rescuers – regardless of whether they

Security when it comes to break-ins and theft,

are having to go to the fifth floor of a block

for example. Everyone immediately under-

of flats or to the scene of an avalanche in the

stands the need for government buildings to

mountains.

be given special protection. At the chancel-

An aluminium snap-link can also be life-

lor’s office in Berlin, a special steel and alu-

saving when it comes to the worst on a pre-

minium façade means that break-in attempts

cipitous rock face. This can lead to sudden,

are doomed to failure from the start. How-

extremely high tensile forces of up to 5,000

ever, given the growing number of burglaries,

kilograms, which the aluminium hook has to

protection of one’s own four walls is becom-

withstand.

ing increasingly important. In many cases,

In discotheques, cinemas and other places

burglars go about their business using a simple

that host events, aluminium can ensure that

Saving lives, protecting people.

screwdriver and force windows or doors open

stairways and emergency exits remain visi-

Protective clothing made of

in broad daylight. Greater wall thicknesses

ble even when it is pitch-dark – and practi-

aluminium affords safety and

and hidden aluminium profiles can be effec-

cally without consuming energy. The secret

reliability, and enables rescuers

tive in thwarting burglaries in such cases.

lies in an enamel with an aluminium coating

to get close to the “action”.

With windows and doors, an aluminium con-

on the steel. This material only needs to be

struction combined with fireproof glazing

exposed to light for a few minutes and it will

will also prevent flames and smoke spread-

glow for up to 20 hours.

ing to adjacent rooms and corridors, for ex-

There are lots of other examples that can be

ample in office buildings, hospitals and

added to those mentioned here. There are

hotels.

a number of aluminium products that are

Because it is heat resistant and does not burn,

“safety-relevant”. One only has to think about

aluminium is also suitable for protective cloth-

protective systems used to prevent flooding,

ing. Fire brigades and emergency services

bulkheads on ferries, fire-escapes on multi-

can get close to sources of heat or fire if they

storey buildings, but also items like household

are wearing aluminium-coated full-body pro-

ladders etc. These are all examples of alu-

tection. The so-called space blankets that

minium products being of high social im-

every German motorist now has to carry in

portance.

his first-aid kit are vapour deposited with

13

Aluminium and living – more than just a roof over one’s head People spend the major part of their life in-

Aluminium fulfils both demands – function-

doors: at home, at work, when shopping, and

ality and aesthetics. The use of aluminium

in the course of a lot of leisure activities. Build-

is not restricted to doors and windows. The de-

ings affect our lives - as dwellings, office

signers of consumer products have discovered

buildings and factories. Living is more than

the silver-coloured metal for furniture and

just having a roof over one’s head. The de-

parts of the interior design: for example, for

mands placed on accommodation change

the fronts of cupboards, bed frames, tables,

with increasing prosperity. Today, living

chairs and shelving systems. Besides this,

comfortably means more than just having in-

there are a lot of household or designer items

tact sanitary facilities, heated rooms or run-

made from aluminium, such as wall or hang-

ning hot water. In addition to physical com-

ing lamps, which not only provide light but

fort there is also mental well-being. Thus,

also create a pleasant ambience. Aluminium

the quality of life, aesthetics and design are

even makes something out of such com-

becoming more important. People don’t just

monplace items as stepladders and rubbish

Innovative furniture design:

want to live comfortably, they also want to

bins.

For example, this dining table made

have a pleasant ambience.

of beech and a new material – aluminium foam. An innovative material, lighter than water.

Housing and industrial buildings: The

aspects, too. As a material for roofs, walls

Aluminium combines functionality

architecture of buildings and the materials

and façades, aluminium improves the appear-

with aesthetics.

used epitomise the image of a town and the

ance of lots of buildings and the adjoining

countryside just as the interior decoration of

open spaces: power stations, office blocks,

a house or flat reflects the personality of the

opera houses, clinics or shopping arcades. As

person living in it. One only has to think about

a large, shiny profile sheet it prevents people

the drab high-rise buildings from the East

looking right into the building; as a support-

German era or the dreary factories of the past.

ing structure in combination with glass it cre-

Modern buildings don’t only have to fulfil

ates bright rooms, flooded with light. One

functional and economic criteria, they also

even comes across the material in Alpine huts

have to satisfy socio-cultural demands. From

and shelters – such as the Meilerhütte, which

an architectural, town-planning and aesthe-

is rich in tradition and located in the Wetter-

tic point of view, one should use materials

stein mountain region, at a height of 2400

that are modern and which make people feel

metres. Here, where the wind can reach speeds

comfortable. This is also expressed in the

up to 240 kilometres an hour and there are

guide to sustainable building issued by the

extreme temperature fluctuations, one turned

German Federal Ministry of Transport, Build-

to aluminium as the material for the windows

ing and Housing.

and the façade structure a few years ago when

Aluminium can look back on a long tradition

the shelter was refurbished. And following a

as a building material. Architects used to

fire, aluminium was also chosen for the re-

choose the light metal because it was weather

construction of Europe’s highest railway sta-

resistant, required little maintenance and was

tion, on the Jungfraujoch mountain in Swit-

long-lasting; nowadays there are aesthetic

zerland.

Modern, sustainable building – aluminium is an important material in this respect. It encourages architects to use new designs to create areas for living and working that make people feel good.

14

Social aspects at international level The globalisation of trade means that a company‘s social responsibility does not cease once the company is operating across the border. This is particularly true for a business like

countries that are of particular importance to

the aluminium industry, which is charac-

the global aluminium industry will be used

terised by its internationality. Some of the

as examples to illustrate the social aspects of the production.

Commitment at plant level worldwide Jamaica: The Caribbean island is not only

communities in these fields (for example,

one of the world’s largest bauxite and alu-

providing equipment for hospitals, build-

mina producers. The aluminium industry is

ing schools or providing grants for school

an important economic and social factor in

fees, text books or places for further edu-

the country, too:

cation or training).

■ It accounts for about 50 percent of Ja-

maica’s exports and is thus the country’s

If people from mining areas have to be re-

second largest source of foreign currency.

settled temporarily while bauxite is being

■ It provides direct employment, with well-

extracted, this is carried out under fully ac-

paid jobs, for over 4,000 people. For ex-

ceptable social conditions. After it has been

ample, the least qualified workers earn up

mined, the land is returned to its original own-

to four times the legally required mini-

ers, who will have been accommodated in

mum wage.

adjoining areas during the intervening period.

■ Farming on land that is not yet being - or

The farmers receive compensation for lost

is no longer being - mined, results in the

production and are then given the necessary

Bauxite extraction and aluminium

aluminium industry also being the island’s

basic quantities of seeds and seedlings free of

production contribute to the

largest producer of milk and meat.

charge for three years after they return. In ad-

economic development in certain

dition, the social and technical infrastructure

poorer regions of the world, for

The aluminium industry also has a major

of the villages is upgraded significantly when

example in Jamaica.

social involvement.

the villagers return.3-4

Typical measures are: ■ safety-at-work programmes and safety

training to reduce accident rates in the

3

plants – if possible to zero. ■ medical care and teaching for workers and

their families and co-operation with local

15

4

Wirtz, A. / Schäfer, J. H. 1999: Jamaica's Bauxite Industry – A Methodological Approach to the Identification of External Effects. In Braunkohle / Surface Mining 6/99 (only summary in English) Gocht, W. / Martens, P. N. / Röhrlich, M. 2001: Quantification of external effects of bauxite mining and alumina production. In Erzmetall Vol 54 No 5 (only summary in English)

Australia: Australia is the largest producer of

of bauxite mines. This applies, for example,

bauxite and alumina and the fifth largest pro-

to the landscaping, road-building projects and

ducer of primary aluminium in the world. The

medical care. Among other things, the alu-

industry employs about 16,000 people. As

minium industry has awarded the Aborigines

far as social aspects are concerned, one should

long-term contracts for the transport of bauxite

mention above all the close partnership that

or the provision of seeds for land recultivation.

has developed between the aluminium com-

This ensures that the native inhabitants have

panies and the Aborigines. The native inhabi-

a reliable source of income for decades.5

tants are closely involved in the recultivation

Brazil: There are about 50,000 people di-

of relocation but also regulations that result

rectly employed in the country’s aluminium

from the setting up of nature reserves and

industry. Of special importance is bauxite

protected biological areas.

mining, three quarters of which is carried out

MRN is actively engaged in a number of so-

in the Amazon basin at Porto Trombetas. The

cial projects that help the quilombolas to help

facility is operated by Mineraçao Rio do Norte

themselves, including projects in the follow-

(MRN). In the Trombetas region, one fore-

ing fields:

went the establishment of further industries in

■ poultry and fish farming, fruit and vege-

favour of nature reserves and biological pro-

table gardens as well as beekeeping, in

tected areas.

order to improve the nutrition and in-

Around the bauxite mining area there are a

come in the quilombos. (MRN received a

number of small villages, so-called quilombos,

prize from the US Chamber of Commerce

which were set up about 200 years ago by es-

in São Paulo for this measure in 1999.)

caped slaves (quilombolas). The quilombolas

■ schooling

Apart from measures to rehabilitate

use the rain forest in a traditional manner.

■ medical care

bauxite mining areas, a large

Therefore, with the participation of the Bra-

■ helping the villages make claims for the

part of the social measures is devoted

zilian environmental authorities, one is trying

land rights in their local areas with the

to children, such as the setting up

to balance out the interests of the quilombo-

Brazilian government.6

of schools.

las and MRN. This covers not only questions

Bahrain: In 2000, Aluminium Bahrain was

versity education. So far, 190 scholarships

honoured by the International Chamber of

have been awarded. For the younger children

Trade and the United Nations’ Environmental

of employees, summer camps are held every

Programme for its contributions to environ-

year and these offer the children the chance

mental protection. The company is also ac-

to participate in a number of leisure activities

tively engaged from a social point of view. It

and sports. Older children are offered courses

regularly awards scholarships to the children

to learn computer skills.

of its employees to enable them to have a uni-

5

6

Martens, P. N. et al 1999: Aspects of Bauxite Winning at Weipa Opencast Mine in Australia, with Special Emphasis on Recultivation. In Braunkohle / Surface Mining Vol 51 No 2 (only summary in English) Sliwka, P. / Bauer, C. 2000: Bauxite Mining at Porto Trombetas. A discussion of sustainable development in mining. In Braunkohle / Surface Mining Vol. 52 No 4

16

Mozambique: There are numerous other

the country since it gained its independence

examples of aluminium projects that have

from Portugal in 1975 and has been operat-

contributed to the development of poor coun-

ing since 2000. It employs 750 people and

tries. One will be mentioned briefly here, the

nine out of every ten workers are Mozambi-

new Mozal primary aluminium smelter in

cans. At a stroke the plant increased Mo-

Mozambique, one of the poorest countries in

zambique’s GNP by seven percent and

Africa. The plant is the largest investment in

doubled its exports.

Solar cookers – helping people to help themselves South Africa: One development project

bright-polished aluminium sheet and they fo-

where aluminium can provide useful support

cus the suns rays. The cooking area is at the

is the widespread use of solar cookers in Third

focal point and can reach temperatures of 700

World countries. According to the charity

degrees Celsius.

Deutsche Welthungerhilfe, there are about

The aluminium industry promotes the wider

two billion people in the world today who

use of solar cookers. For example, the Ger-

rely on firewood for cooking. In some regions,

many-based Aluminium Association (GDA)

the local forestry can no longer satisfy people’s

is supporting a joint project between the Ger-

needs. In addition, chopping down trees leads

man Federal Ministry for Economic Co-opera-

to heavy soil erosion, the ground becomes

tion and Development and the German Society

impoverished, the water table is lowered and

for Technical Co-operation, GTZ. This covers

once-fertile land becomes desert.

the manufacture and distribution of solar

The use of solar cookers helps counteract this

cookers in South Africa.

development. The collectors, which are similar to a satellite dish, are made of anodised

Firewood for cooking purposes is essential for a lot of people in Third World countries. However, there is

Germany: Aluminium companies have also

recent years by supplying the material for

often not enough to go round. This is

supported various solar cooker projects in

high-grade aluminium mirrors free of charge.

where solar cookers can help.

17

Conclusion It has been shown here that aluminium has lots to offer – also from a social point of view. The industry and its manufacturing plants are actively participating locally and globally in the discussion on the social responsibility of companies towards their employees and society. This applies to both the process level and the product level. When it comes to materials competing to offer the best solution for a given product, aluminium plays an important role, not only from a functional but also from a social point of view. It provides benefits for today’s generation and for future generations, too.7 As a reusable material that demonstrates its recyclability every day, aluminium enters into a social “agreement between generations”, which also extends far into the future.

Aluminium fo r Fu tu re Generations

7

Glimm, St. / Schäfer, J. H. 2001: Aluminium – a contract between generations. In Aluminium 1/2001

18

Publisher: GDA Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e. V. Am Bonneshof 5 40474 Düsseldorf © GDA Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e. V. Concept /design by: Dietmar Ludwig Unternehmensberatung, Neuss Friedhelm Glade Grafikdesign, Düsseldorf Printed and produced by: breuerdruck, Düsseldorf Photos: Airbus Industrie Aluminium Essen; photographer: Kai Funck Alusuisse Road and Rail Abal Batex Technische Textilien GmbH BMW AG Deutscher Bundestag; photographer: Achim Melde Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit GmbH Gesamtverband der Aluminiumindustrie e.V. Herkules Fahrrad GmbH&Co.KG Lawson Mardon England mob design GmbH Schüco International GmbH

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