Thursday 4 February 2021

Rio Tinto launches sustainability label for aluminium using blockchain

Metals and mining corporation Rio Tinto has launched what is claimed to be the first sustainability label for low carbon aluminium using blockchain technology.

Dubbed START, the label for responsible aluminium is expected to meet the demand from customers for transparency on where and how products they purchase are made.

Customers will receive a digital sustainability label – similar to a nutrition label found on food and drinks packaging – using blockchain technology, providing key information about the site where the aluminium was produced.

It will cover 10 criteria: carbon footprint, water use, recycled content, energy sources, community investment, safety performance, diversity in leadership, business integrity, regulatory compliance and transparency.

The label aims to help consumers make informed choices by differentiating end products based on their environmental, social and governance credentials.

Through START, Rio Tinto will also provide technical expertise through a sustainability advisory service and support for customers looking to build their sustainability offerings, benchmark and improve performance.

Alf Barrios, Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive said: “START is a significant step forward for the aluminium industry as the first offering of this kind, setting a new standard on transparency, traceability and responsible production from mine to market.

“Our vision is that our customers can showcase the sustainability of the aluminium they purchase from Rio Tinto to their consumers, delivering full value from our responsible production.”