Apple helps pave the way for carbon-free aluminum smelting method

Apple has partnered with aluminum producers Alcoa Corp. and Rio Tinto Aluminum, as well as the governments of Canada and Quebec, to collectively invest a combined $144 million in future R&D to commercialize patented technology that eliminates direct greenhouse gas emissions from the traditional aluminum smelting process.

The new aluminum production method, designed by Alcoa, replaces carbon with an advanced conductive material, and instead of carbon dioxide, it releases oxygen.

Together, the two aluminum companies have formed a joint venture called Elysis, which will work to develop this technology further for larger-scale production and commercialization, with a package planned for sale beginning in 2024. Apple will continue to provide technical support as well.