After several years of development, Brembo has officially announced that it will use an alloy with 100% recycled aluminum in the production of its original equipment calipers.
Launched in 2020, the project set out to improve the environmental profile of the brand’s manufacturing processes. An assessment of the entire production cycle helped identify key areas where improvements could have the greatest impact.
Brembo with an eye on the future
It is not the first time that we are aware of an initiative by the Italian firm focused on reducing the environmental impact in the manufacturing of its products. Three years ago, Brembo presented its ecological Greenance brake pads, responsible for gradually replacing the entire range of Brembo pads that were marketed up to that point. Now, with the use of 100% recycled aluminum in the manufacture of its brake calipers, the company goes one step further in this matter.
As explained by the transalpine firm itself: “This idea gave rise to an in-depth search for alternatives. The team explored various alloys available on the global market in search of a solution that would guarantee the same mechanical performance and castability as the original material, but with significantly lower CO₂ emissions. In addition, Brembo prioritized the identification of an alloy available in all regions where Brembo has its production plants.”
After extensive exploration and testing, Brembo found the ideal solution: an alloy made entirely from recycled aluminum. With this alloy, CO₂ emissions over the entire life of the caliper can be reduced by 70% compared to conventional alloys. The transition to the new material required a reevaluation of the product and an update to the manufacturing process. A comprehensive redesign and reindustrialization process was undertaken to ensure that the new solution could be implemented globally across all Brembo plants, delivering maximum quality and performance.
That effort is now bearing fruit: Brembo, in its role as a solutions provider, has begun supplying one of its largest customers, and this transition is underway in all markets. Daniele SchillaciCEO of Brembo said: “The adoption of recycled aluminum in the production of our iconic brake calipers reflects our continued commitment to innovation for sustainability.”
Concludes: “This solution is designed to meet the highest standards of performance and environmental responsibility. Brembo’s track record is based on continuous improvement and unwavering commitment, and this innovation that we launched on the market represents our contribution to building a future where our new products are smarter, safer and more sustainable than the previous ones.”
From a design point of view, the component retains all the stylistic characteristics that have distinguished the Italian brand: it is possible to achieve unique shapes and designs, as well as use a wide range of available colors. To make Brembo’s progress tangible, the calipers made with the new recycled alloy will sport the new ALU brand logo, registered by the company, which visually distinguishes those made with recycled aluminum.
In fact, its alloy is not simply recycled, since Brembo not only reuses the original material, but improves it, giving it a new and greater value. From now on, most of the development of new grippers will be based on recycled material as standard. For the calipers currently in production, Brembo will continue to use conventional aluminum until the end of their useful life, while prioritizing the adoption of aluminum produced with renewable energy.
More information and details on the brand’s official website.
