Business View Magazine - September 2015

70 Business View - September 2015 Business View - September 2015 71 the next five to ten years. And that’s largely driven by this automotive expansion that we’re seeing.” Meenan elaborates on the Association’s near-term goals and objec- tives: “We’re bullish and very enthusiastic about where things are heading.” There have been “pivotal moments” in the industry’s past, he explains. In the 40s, 50s, and 60s, there was a strong move into the construction and aerospace market; in the 70s and 80s, it was the aluminum can; and “now, today, you’ve got this automotive op- portunity.” The Association is also heavily committed to its “sustainability work.” Meenan adds that a continuing priority for the Association is a “big push to get good, credible information on how we’re doing in terms of our environmental performance.” Aluminum is infinitely recyclable - nearly 75 percent of the alumi- num ever made is still in use today. Aluminum cans, for example, are made with an average of 70 percent recycled content, which far ex- ceeds competitive types of packaging. And according to the Associa- tion’s website: “Producing recycled, or secondary, aluminum saves more than 90 percent of the energy and produces just eight percent of the greenhouse gases associated with making new, or primary, aluminum.” The Association’s Sustainability Initiative, launched in April 2008, promotes increased recycling, energy-efficient product applications, and increased operating efficiency. In terms of advocacy, the Aluminum Association actively engages with federal lawmakers and regulators, educating them and urging them to pursue policies that will allow the industry to grow. In 2013, the United States Congress created the Congressional Aluminum Caucus – a bipartisan group of members committed to elevating awareness of the U.S. aluminum industry and every aspect of the metal’s production and use. The industry’s top issues include: alu- minum recycling, beverage can management, climate change and energy. As the aluminum industry continues to supply the world with the “miracle metal,” the work of the Aluminum Association will likewise continue to promote its interests and agenda for the benefit of us all. 16 2014 annual report by the N U M B E R S Images courtesy of SAPA 47 COMPANIES 160 + E M P L O Y E E S TRAINED ON SAFETY & 25332_AlumReport.indd 16 12/29/14 10:29 AM Manufacturing Manufacturing