ReTurn: Reynaers Aluminium turns waste into resources with new closed-loop systems
Why throw away that which can be reused? Building towards a circular future, we are proud to introduce ReTurn, a Reynaers Aluminium close-the-loop framework. In full transparency, we create a local recycling system together with our partners, extending the lifetime of valuable resources. From linear to circular economy. Minimal waste, maximal production efficiency: that is how we make a difference every day.
1. ReTurn aluminium
How do you increase the circular nature of your products? A tough nut to crack, and a key concern when it comes to futureproof innovation. Instead of dreading the question, Reynaers Aluminium wants to be part of the solution. That is why we have established a close-the-loop sourcing cycle for scrap aluminium.
What is it about?
The closed-loop concept can be summarized in four easy steps:
- Identifying the scrap: aluminium waste can be sourced either from old windows collected from the building site (post-consumer scrap), or during the production process at the workshop (pre-consumer scrap).
- Collecting and processing: fabricators collect their aluminium scrap in metal bins, delivered by Reynaers Aluminium. The materials are brought to a close-the-loop scrapper partner who dismantles, sorts, and cuts the aluminium.
- Turning shreds into billets: the shreds are melted, added to our aluminium mix, and cast into billets. The billets are brought to one of our strategic extruder partners, who produces raw aluminium profiles.
- Returning the profiles into production: the “new” low-carbon aluminium profiles are re-introduced into the loop, once again ready to be used in the next sustainable building projects.
The initiative has been launched officially in our Belgian home market in 2025. We are exploring how to scale up this close-the-loop process in other markets in the near future.
Why is it important?
Reynaers Aluminium turns waste into resources. By ensuring this continuous flow of recycled aluminium, we keep the aluminium scrap in the local chain and avoid it being exported outside of Europe. From start to finish (or end-to-end), the initiative brings transparency and traceability to our supply chain, fostering local collaboration between construction partners that contribute to a strong network of like-minded people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ReTurn by Reynaers Aluminium?
ReTurn is a Reynaers Aluminium close-the-loop framework, launched in 2025. Our goal, together with our partners, is to create a local recycling system, in full transparency and traceability, extending the lifetime of valuable resources.
The system is currently active in a handful of countries and focuses on return schemes for cardboard packaging and aluminium scrap material, originating from fabricator workshops and building sites.
What does a closed-loop system mean in aluminium construction?
A closed-loop system means that materials are reused and recycled within the same production cycle in a responsible way, instead of becoming waste. In the case of aluminium building components, end-of-life profiles can be collected, processed and remelted into new aluminium billets, which are then used to produce new windows, doors or façade systems. Because aluminium can be recycled endlessly without losing quality, it is an ideal material for circular construction and long-term resource efficiency.
Instead of a "Take - Make - Dispose" approach, Reynaers Aluminium adheres to a "Repair - Reuse - Redesign" circular philosophy.
Why is aluminium ideal for closed-loop recycling?
Aluminium is one of the most circular materials used in construction. It can be recycled an infinite amount of times, without losing its structural or aesthetic properties. In fact, 95% of aluminium used in buildings is recovered and reintroduced into new products, reducing the need for primary raw materials and lowering the environmental impact of future projects.
However, there's a catch. 75% of aluminium ever produced is currently still in use, which makes recycled aluminium a coveted material that is hard to come by. In Europe, recycled supply will never meet demand, which is why Reynaers Aluminium prefers to take its fair share of the recycled content and mix it with primary aluminium produced with clean energy to create low-carbon aluminium.
Does Reynaers Aluminium have a packaging strategy?
Less is more, especially when it comes to packaging. In 2025, we revisited the design of our packaging to reduce the volume of cardboard (-45%) and plastics (-21%) we use at our Central Distribution center in Duffel. Our partners enjoy the same high-quality delivery, while reducing unnecessary waste.
Next, the ReTurn packaging initiative is a closed-loop system that supports fabricators in returning reusable packaging to Reynaers Aluminium headquarters. Long single-use cardboard sheets are replaced by reusable cardboard pieces. Cardboard boxes to package accessories are being replaced by reusable folding boxes, made from recycled plastic, that can be tracked, traced and returned in a fully local supply chain.
Can every Reynaers Aluminium fabricator join the ReTurn project?
The ReTurn aluminium initiative has been launched officially in our Belgian home market in 2025. We are exploring if we can apply this close-the-loop process in other markets in the near future.
In 2026, our take-back scheme for packaging will be introduced at strategic partners in Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and France. Upon initial review, we will determine how to scale up the initiative and bring ReTurn to even more countries.
If you are a fabricator and you want to learn more about the ReTurn initiative, or you want to join the circular movement, you can contact your local Customer Service agent for more information.
2. ReTurn packaging
To improve our fabricators’ experience and to reduce our environmental impact, we are revisiting our use of packaging. By choosing recycled and reusable packaging materials, we create a close-the-loop "ReTurn" cycle that reduces waste and maximizes operational efficiency.
What is it about?
Similar to our approach with aluminium, we've established return flows where fabricators send packaging back to Reynaers Campus. We focus on reusable cardboard pieces and recycled plastic boxes to lower our operational impact.
For the packaging of our profiles sent from our Belgian headquarters, we switch from long carboard sheets to smaller reusable cardboard pieces. Less waste, the same strength and protection, better efficiency.
We are also replacing single use cardboard boxes with reusable boxes, made from recycled plastic. We use these boxes to package accessories sent from Belgium. The system includes clear return instructions, making it very easy for fabricators to participate in the circular flow.
Why is it important?
By transforming packaging from disposable waste into reusable assets, we can create a true circular economy at local market level. The return scheme neatly aligns with our other sustainable packaging measures too. Did you know? In 2025, our headquarters in Duffel has cut its use of paper and cardboard by 45% and plastic by 21% compared to 2022. Beyond reducing volume, we're increasing the recycled content in both our cardboard and plastic packaging.
Want to join the ReTurn initiative?
