Apple patent filing involves making product cases from recycled aluminum

A newly filed Apple patent (number 20210087664) for “heat-treatable aluminum alloy made from used beverage can scrap” shows the company is at least considering making cases of future products from recycled aluminum.

The patent filing — which is filled with technical info about heating/cooling processes and more involved in the recycling process — involves “forming cosmetic enclosure” from recyclables. Apple says the method would increase material recycling and reducesthe carbon footprint. 

“Aluminum can contribute to a part of carbon footprint,” the tech giant notes in the patent filing. “One of the most effective methods of reducing the carbon footprint and aluminum mining is by increasing the use of recycled aluminum, especially post-consumer recycled (PCR) aluminum. One of the major sources of PCR aluminum is used beverage can (UBC) scrap. Increased recycling can have a large impact on reducing the carbon footprint and primary aluminum consumption.”