Implementation of circular manufacturing into the aluminium industry. An investigation on how implementation of circular manufacturing affect primary production, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at Alcoa Mosjøen. A case study that uses agent-based modelling with system dynamic in a hybrid model.

Abstract

Using recycled material in products has become more common and more common. The need to be green, sustainable and reduce the material use is starting to affect the producers of products such as cars manufacturing. This has created a pressure in the aluminium industry to implement recycled material. The affect and opportunities of implementing this are something that this thesis will investigate and if it is possible to answer the research question: How does the implementation of circular manufacturing affect the primary production, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at Alcoa Mosjøen?

This question will be answered using agent-based modelling to create the future demand of recycled aluminium. The results from the agent-based model will be used to create a hybrid model by implementing the results into a system dynamic model. From this model there is given a clear answer by interpretating the results on how implementation of circular manufacturing will affect the primary production, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at Alcoa Mosjøen. Through implementing of circular manufacturing will create an effect on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions is mostly positive and, the opportunity to decrease production or use primary aluminium in other scenarios occurs. By this can they help the world to be a little closer of achieving the UN’s sustainable development goals.