We’ve built our business around aluminum handrails, and it’s not hard to see why. Aluminum is a highly durable, attractive, and low-maintenance material for both indoor and outdoor handrails. But is aluminum sustainable? The short answer: Yes, absolutely.
In fact, aluminum is one of the most sustainable materials on the market, making it an excellent choice for eco-friendly residential and commercial projects. Read on to find out more about this uniquely sustainable choice for your handrails.
Why Aluminum Is Our Go-To for Sustainability
Low-maintenance, affordable, and highly customizable with powder coating, aluminum handrails are a great choice for any project. But aluminum is also an extremely durable material, which lends itself beautifully to sustainability. Think of it this way: Products made from aluminum — handrails, for example — are rust-proof, corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and highly effective in even the toughest weather conditions. Those characteristics give aluminum handrails a long lifespan, which reduces the need for frequent replacements. Fewer replacements means less waste from fabrication, packaging, and shipping.
With a bit of maintenance, your aluminum handrail should last for years without any significant labor on your part. Just wipe down your handrails with a soft cloth to remove dirt every week or so, and check the manufacturer’s instructions in case of extreme weather like hail, ice, or dust that might compromise the lifespan of outdoor handrails.
Reduce Waste with Recyclable Aluminum
Not only is aluminum known for its durability but also it’s highly recyclable. Just think about all the recyclable aluminum you might have in your home: soda cans, for example.
Unlike some metals, aluminum can be recycled multiple times without losing its strength or corrosion resistance. That means that, if you ever need to replace your aluminum handrail, you won’t have to worry about clogging a landfill — it can be easily recycled to conserve natural resources and reduce energy consumption. Finally, on the elemental level, aluminum is the most readily available material in the Earth’s crust. In terms of sourcing and mining, aluminum is much less destructive to the Earth (and human health) than other minerals. Ultimately, if you’re committed to reducing waste and greenhouse gases, you can’t go wrong with aluminum.
Sustainable Aluminum Sourcing in the USA
Shipping materials overseas can be a major source of greenhouse gases and energy waste. With that in mind, we source all local, made-in-the-USA extrusions and components for our handrails. Additionally, our powder coating facilities are located in the Midwest, creating a central shipping point regardless of your location. That reduces the amount of time and energy required to deliver a handrail to customers, cutting back on emissions during every step of the process. We’re also committed to investing in local jobs, creating a cycle of sustainability for generations to come.
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So, is aluminum sustainable? It certainly is. This durable, recyclable material is your best choice for eco-friendly handrails. Its long lifespan and recyclable nature make it a low-waste material. Plus, our aluminum handrail materials are sourced locally, reducing the time and energy that goes into product transport. If sustainability matters to you, aluminum should be at the top of your list for both indoor and outdoor handrails.
Still have questions about aluminum as a sustainable handrail material? Contact Aluminum Handrail Direct for assistance. We offer high-quality, maintenance-free aluminum handrails and accessories, and we would be happy to help you understand more about our materials. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we’re a trusted authority on sustainable handrails. We’ll even ship your handrails to you to simplify your building process. For more information, call us at 417-409-3179 or contact us online.