After more than five years of research and development, Brembo officially introduced the use of an alloy composed of 100% recycled aluminum in its original equipment calipers. The company said the milestone marks a major step forward in its sustainability journey. Brembo said it launched the project in 2020 to enhance the environmental profile of its manufacturing processes. An assessment of the full production cycle identified key areas for improvement. Aluminum’s ability to be infinitely recycled without losing quality made it the natural focus, Brembo said.
The company added that its team explored alloys available worldwide, searching for one that guaranteed the same performance and castability as the original material. Brembo also required significantly lower CO₂ emissions. The company prioritized finding an alloy available across all regions where it operates.
Testing and Results
After extensive scouting and testing, Brembo found what it calls the perfect match: an alloy made entirely from recycled aluminum. Using this alloy, Brembo can cut CO₂ emissions across the life cycle of the caliper by 70% compared to conventional alloy.
The shift required Brembo to re-evaluate the product and update the manufacturing process. A comprehensive redesign and reindustrialization effort ensured the solution could scale globally across all Brembo plants. The transition is now underway across markets as Brembo begins supplying one of its major customers.
Leadership Perspective
“The adoption of recycled aluminum in the production of our iconic brake calipers embodies our ongoing commitment to innovation for sustainability,” said Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo. “This solution is designed to meet the highest standards of performance and environmental responsibility.”
Design and Distinctive Features
From a design perspective, the new component retains the stylistic features that make Brembo distinctive, the company said. Designers can still achieve unique shapes and a wide range of colors.
To make progress visible, Brembo will apply a new ALU trademark logo to calipers using the recycled alloy. This logo distinguishes calipers made with upcycled aluminum. Brembo added that it enhances the original material, giving it new value.
Future Outlook
Brembo said the majority of new caliper development will now start with recycled material as the standard.
For calipers already in production, Brembo will continue to use conventional aluminum until the end of their lifecycle. The company said it will also prioritize aluminum produced with renewable energy.
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