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HME Brass Italy: an ambitious decarbonisation plan to 2050

HME Brass Italy acknowledges the global urgency of tackling climate change and is taking an active role in the transition toward a low-emission industrial model. In line with its corporate vision and the objectives of the Paris Agreement, the company has adopted a 2025–2050 Decarbonisation Plan that outlines a science-based path toward climate neutrality.

The plan sets out quantitative greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets, strategies, and concrete measures across all emission categories (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). Actions are supported by robust technical data, aligned with ISO 14064 standards, the International Copper Association’s decarbonisation roadmap, and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Key Targets of the Decarbonisation Plan

In 2024, the total carbon footprint was approximately 22,831 t CO₂e. The plan aims to reduce this to 13,000–15,000 t by 2030 and to 2,000–4,000 t by 2050. Specifically:

  • –35% / –40% total GHG emissions by 2030 (vs. 2024)
  • –80% / –90% by 2050, targeting full neutralisation of residual emissions
  • 100% renewable electricity by 2030 (Scope 2)

Concrete Actions and Expected Results

HME Brass Italy has already initiated significant investments in clean technologies:

  • On-site photovoltaic system covering 11% of electricity demand, saving ~1,000 t CO₂/year
  • High-efficiency continuous casting line: –500 t CO₂/year
  • Introduction of electric AGVs, smart consumption monitoring, and furnace optimisation
  • Use of 99.8% recycled content in brass alloys, cutting upstream emissions by over 4,300 t CO₂/year

Value Chain Engagement and Shared Benefits

  • Over 56% of HME’s carbon footprint originates from upstream and downstream activities (Scope 3). The company is working closely with suppliers and partners to:
    • Increase the use of low-carbon metals
    • Optimise logistics and transportation
    • Provide circular products with a lower climate footprint, helping customers reduce their own Scope 3 emissions

This plan positions HME among the most advanced metallurgical players in Europe, fully prepared to meet stakeholder expectations and lead the transition to a low-carbon economy.


HME - SUSTAINABILITY VISION

Hailiang Metal Europe's vision is to redefine the Brass & Copper industry with a sustainable, ethical, and innovative approach. We are dedicated to shrinking our environmental footprint through cutting-edge production methods, substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and a relentless push for recyclability. Our commitment extends beyond the environment to embrace social and governance responsibilities. We promote diversity, equality, and safety in our workplaces while upholding the highest standards of corporate ethics. By eradicating modern slavery and ensuring conflict-free sourcing, we guarantee integrity in every link of our supply chain. With HME, you’re choosing a future that’s not only built to last but built responsibly. Discover the difference with HME—where sustainability and excellence converge.



HME Brass Italy consistently guarantees a recycled content of over 95%

HME Brass Italy consistently guarantees a recycled content of over 95% as a minimum requirement for all standard supplies, in line with its sustainability strategy and commitment to responsible resource management.

 In 2024, HME Brass Italy brass products were manufactured using a total recycled content (pre- and post-consumer) amounting to 99.8% by mass, as defined by ISO 14021. This total is broken down as follows:

 

  • Post-consumer scrap: 67.7% of total mass, sourced from end-of-life products collected by authorized operators;
  • Pre-consumer scrap: 32.1% of total mass, originating from customers’ production process waste;
  • Primary raw material: 0.2% of total mass;
  • Internally recycled material and process scrap are excluded from the calculation, as per ISO 14021, since these materials are reintroduced into the same production cycle without leaving the site.

 

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HME Copper Germany Umweltproduktdeklarationen x Kiwa Master V4

HME Copper Germany is intensively involved with sustainability. In close cooperation with Kiwa-Ecobility Experts, we have had two EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) calculated for our copper tubes.

News from the IWCC

News from the IWCC about new tighter regulations on the maximum lead content in drinking water.

https://www.coppercouncil.org/briefing-on-eu-drinking-water-directive-implementation-for-copper-alloys


THE „GREEN COPPER“ -

HME stands for sustainability and responsibility

Ecologically sustainable production and management - a matter of course for the employees of the copper tube producer HME Copper Germany GmbH, which is constantly being further developed with new measures. Conservation of resources, low limits for emissions during  production as well as ecological harmlessness during the entire service life and beyond are sustainable features of HME products. 

 

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Award for the Menden Efficiency Network

HME has been part of the Menden Efficiency Network for 3 years with the aim of achieving a significant reduction in CO2 to meet climate and energy policy targets. During this time, HME has succeeded in significantly reducing the consumption of gas and electricity at the Menden copper tube plant.

 

As part of the 6th annual event of the Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection Networks Initiative, the Menden Efficiency Network was presented with an award for outstanding network work by Mr. Stefan Wenzel, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection.