Aston Martin-backed sustainable aluminium project bolstered

Aston Martin has revealed that it ambitions to improve the sustainability of its supply chain is getting bolstered by a $10.2 million (£6 million) award by the U.K. government to support the development of lightweight, sustainable aluminium castings to be used for future Aston Martin vehicles.

The award comes from the Advanced Propulsion Centre U.K. to support Project Pivot, a collaborative five-partner research and development project led by Coventry-based aluminium supplier Sarginsons. Supported by Aston Martin, the project seeks to revolutionise the global casting industry through overhauling the design, weight, carbon emissions and production of cast aluminium, allowing the adoption of 100% recycled content.

In August, Aston Martin formally joined Drive Sustainability, a partnership of 16 automotive manufacturers working together to improve the social, ethical, and environmental performance of automotive supply chains, facilitated by CSR Europe.

Aston Martin is developing alternatives to the Internal Combustion Engine as part of its blended powertrain approach that will see the introduction of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, the first of which, the Valhalla, is targeted to enter full production later in 2024 before deliveries commence in 2025.