webnav

Valmont websites

  • About Us
    • Capability Statements
      Capability Statements sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Markets
      Markets sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Valmont Industries, Inc.
      Valmont Industries, Inc. sub2 image

      Learn More

    • International Presence
      International Presence sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Careers
      Careers sub2 image

      Learn More

  • Applications
    • Walkways & Ramps
      Walkways & Ramps sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Stairways
      Stairways sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Platforms
      Platforms sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Safety Barriers
      Barriers sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Barrier Selector Tool
      Barrier Selector Tool sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Treatment Plants
      Treatment Plants sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Drainage & Civil
      Drainage & Civil sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Cycleways
      Cycleways sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Galvanising
      Galvanising sub2 image

      Learn More

  • Access Systems
    • Steel Grating
      • Patterns Available
        Patterns Available sub2 image

        Patterns Available
        Learn more

      • Load Tables
        Load Tables sub2 image

        Load Tables
        Learn more

      • Stair Treads
        Stair Treads sub2 image

        Stair Treads
        Learn more

      • Finishes
        Finishes sub2 image

        Finishes
        Learn more

      • Stock
        Stock sub2 image

        Stock
        Learn more

      • Downloads
        Downloads sub2 image

        Downloads
        Learn more

    • Aluminium Grating
      • Patterns Available
        Patterns Available sub2 image

        Patterns Available
        Learn more

      • Load Tables
        Load Tables sub2 image

        Load Tables
        Learn more

      • Stair Treads
        Stair Treads sub2 image

        Stair Treads
        Learn more

      • Finishes
        Finishes sub2 image

        Finishes
        Learn more

      • Stock
        Stock sub2 image

        Stock
        Learn more

    • Stainless Steel Grating
      • Patterns Available
        Patterns Available sub2 image

        Patterns Available
        Learn more

      • Load Tables
        Load Tables sub2 image

        Load Tables
        Learn more

      • Stair Treads
        Stair Treads sub2 image

        Stair Treads
        Learn more

      • Finishes
        Finishes sub2 image

        Finishes
        Learn more

      • Stock
        Stock sub2 image

        Stock
        Learn more

    • Gripspan
      • Profiles Available
        Profiles Available sub2 image

        Profiles Available
        Learn more

      • Load Tables
        Load Tables sub2 image

        Load Tables
        Learn more

      • Stair Treads
        Stair Treads sub2 image

        Stair Treads
        Learn more

      • Stock Planks
        Stock Planks sub2 image

        Stock Planks
        Learn more

      • Accessories

        Accessories
        Learn more

    • AS5100
      • System Features
        System Features sub2 image

        System Features
        Learn more

      • Image Gallery
        Image Gallery sub2 image

        Image Gallery
        Learn more

      • Video Tutorials
        Video Tutorials sub2 image

        Video Tutorials
        Learn more

    • FRP Grating
      • Patterns Available
        Patterns Available sub2 image

        Patterns Available
        Learn more

      • Load Tables
        Load Tables sub2 image

        Load Tables
        Learn more

      • Stair Treads
        Stair Treads sub2 image

        Stair Treads
        Learn more

      • Finishes
        Finishes sub2 image

        Finishes
        Learn more

      • Stock
        Stock sub2 image

        Stock
        Learn more

      • Environmental Conditions
        Environmental Conditions sub2 image

        Environmental Conditions
        Learn more

      • Grating
        Grating sub2 image

        From oil wells to factory floors to rooftop catwalks, you need to know the grating is going to support your people while standing up to whatever punishment man, machine or nature has to dish out.
        Learn more

      • Screening Media
        Screening Media sub2 image

        From standard sizes and configurations to customized apertures, we create solutions that are built around your efficiency, longevity, and profitability.
        Learn more

      • Wind Turbine Towers and Rotor Houses
        Wind Turbine Towers and Rotor Houses sub2 image

        We work with the world’s wind energy leaders to supply wind turbine towers and direct-drive generator rotor houses.
        Learn more

    • Monowills
      • Guardrail
        Guardrail sub2 image

        Guardrail
        Learn more

      • Balustrades
        Balustrades sub2 image

        Balustrades
        Learn more

      • Jumbo Rail
        Jumbo Rail sub2 image

        Jumbo Rail
        Learn more

      • Gates
        Gates sub2 image

        Gates
        Learn more

      • Velocity
        Velocity sub2 image

        Velocity
        Learn more

      • Specifications
        Specifications sub2 image

        Specifications
        Learn more

      • Handrail & Stanchion Components
        Handrail & Stanchion Components sub2 image

        Handrail & Stanchion Components
        Learn more

    • Monowills Link
      • System Features
        System Features sub2 image

        System Features
        Learn more

      • Image Gallery
        Image Gallery sub2 image

        Image Gallery
        Learn more

      • Video Tutorials
        Video Tutorials sub2 image

        Video Tutorials
        Learn more

    • Ancillaries
      • Clips
        Clips sub2 image

        Clips
        Learn more

      • Webplate & Webmesh
        Webplate & Webmesh sub2 image

        Webplate & Webmesh
        Learn more

      • WebGrip Anti-slip
        WebGrip Anti-slip sub2 image

        WebGrip Anti-slip
        Learn more

    • Expanded
      • Patterns Available
        Patterns Available sub2 image

        Patterns Available
        Learn more

      • Load Tables
        Load Tables sub2 image

        Load Tables
        Learn more

  • Engineering
    • Manufacturing & Tolerances
      Manufacturing & Tolerances sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Terminology
      Terminology sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Installation
      Installation sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Project Management
      Project Management sub2 image

      Learn More

  • Media Centre
    • Media Centre
      Media Centre sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Brochures
      Brochures sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Drawings
      Drawings sub2 image

      Learn More

    • Load Tables
      Load Tables sub2 image

      Learn More

  • Projects
  • Contact

Media Centre

4 ways aluminium is a sustainable solution

May 11, 2023, 22:54 by User Not Found

4 ways aluminium is a sustainable solution

Known as the green metal, aluminium is the primary resource Webforge uses for its grating and handrail systems. It's light, versatile and so much more. It's the most abundant metal in the Earth's crust according to Geoscience Australia and is used in everything from kitchen utensils to aeroplane parts. Let's go over four reasons why aluminium is so sustainable and why we use the material for our grating and handrails.

 Aluminium is one of our primary handrail materials.Aluminium is one of our primary handrail materials.

1. Aluminium weighs of steel

The weight of metal might not always be the first thing you think of when you consider sustainability, but it plays a major factor in transportation.

We all know that gas emissions affect the climate negatively, so using more gas can be detrimental to the atmosphere. Heavier metals like steel take more gas to transport because the engine must work harder to move the vehicle forward.

For example, 50 kilograms of additional weight on a truck can reduce its fuel economy by 1%, so a lighter load can help improve petrol consumption significantly.

2. It's the most recyclable material in the world

The incredible part of aluminium that makes it such a worthwhile material is that it can be endlessly recycled without losing its value. According to the publication, Aluminium, 75% of all aluminium ever produced is used today. The energy saved from producing new aluminium saves the overall carbon footprint of the construction industry as a whole.

Smelting to recycle aluminium is a matter of crushing the material together, melting it together and then casting the molten aluminium into ingots, or trapezoidal containers to be cooled and stored. Our aluminium is not only recycled, but sourced from Australian producers — this cuts down on transportation and supports the local economy.

3. Reduced energy consumption

This process of recycling aluminium only takes 5% of the energy it would to produce new metal.

Aluminium production uses heaps of energy and water which causes higher carbon emissions. The primary rock that makes up aluminium is bauxite which is found near the surface of Earth's crust. While it doesn't take a lot of drilling energy to dig it up, large plots of land must be cleared to reveal the bits of the oar. From there, the process of refining further expands massive amounts of energy.

Aluminium is so versatile that melting it down has helped conserve the material for other purposes in construction and building worldwide. Webforge sends out our scrap metal to aluminium recycling plants while ensuring our grating and handrail product remains as waste-free as possible to improve our business sustainability.

4. Lightweight strong and durable

Aluminium is a strong, corrosive-resistant material that ensures we can keep waste down to an absolute minimum. The goal for all of our grating and handrail systems is to ensure that the material will not have to be replaced often, reducing the processing energy required to recycle the material or throw it out.

Additionally, our grating and handrail systems are made from aluminium, and still meet the requirements of AS/NZS 1657. These systems can handle high-impact and high-load applications despite the weight of the material to ensure they'll meet the needs of our clients.

Our handrails are equally as durable, and able to withstand heavy loads in a multitude of applications.

For both grating and handrail systems, corrosion resistance ensures that our products can withstand factory applications and intense weather conditions. Aluminium is non-sparking and non-magnetic, making a factory or outdoor application more safe and productive.

Webforge as your sustainability partner

Our teams have been committed to sustainability since the beginning. We take every opportunity to ensure our materials are sustainability sourced, produced, manufactured and transported so we can help improve the future of our climate.

Webforge takes into consideration your construction needs before beginning every project. We'll pick the right metal materials depending on the use and location of the site. In situations such as high-traffic areas, exposure to chemicals, weather and falling objects, our grating and handrail systems help reduce work-related accidents to improve everyone's safety.

No matter what the project involves, you can rely on us to take into account Australian Standard-compliant products. We construct and plan out our products so that you don't have to worry about passing safety checks. At the work site, all of our products are arranged in the order they'll need to be assembled to cut down on labour and materials — ensuring greener work conditions.

When you work with Webforge, you get an all-in-one solution you'll never have to worry about. Contact a Webforge grating or handrail professional today to get started.

Do you have a question or need a quote?
Find your Valmont representative and let us know how we can help.
Find Your Rep
  • Applications
  • Access Systems
  • Expanded
  • Engineering
  • About Webforge
  • Media Centre
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions AU
  • Terms and Conditions NZ
  • Privacy Policy
Select a region/country
  • Canada - English
  • Canada - French
  • United States

© 2024 Valmont Industries, Inc.