Russian aluminum producer Rusal plans to reduce the benzapyrene emissions from its Krasnoyarsk (KrAZ) aluminum smelter in Kremenchuk, Ukraine by 60pc, by switching a raw material used in the smelting process.
The company, in a release on Monday, revealed its plans to modernize the reduction area of the KrAZ plant to use eco-friendly pitch as raw material for its aluminum production. According to the Russian aluminum maker, this material contains less tar and therefore reduces emissions. The raw material was developed in-house by Rusal’s engineers, who in turn have asked suppliers to modernize their facilities to meet new raw materials standards.
Since 2004, Rusal has implemented an environmental policy at KrAZ, using a two-pronged approach – modernizing the gas treatment systems and use of its patented EcoSoderberg technology. These initiatives have lead to 38pc fewer emissions at the company’s Ukrainian plant.