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The Hidden Role of Aluminum in Holiday Cheer

Take a peek at any holiday display, and you’ll spot aluminum front and center. The glittering tree topper and stars? Lightweight and reflective. The twinkling tinsel and vibrant ribbons? That’s aluminum’s one-of-a-kind shine at work.

Designers love aluminum for its light weight and durability. Decorations can sparkle without weighing down branches or breaking easily. Plus, its natural corrosion resistance means aluminum keeps its brightness year after year, even when stored away during cold or damp seasons.

That kind of quality makes aluminum a quiet hero of the holidays—helping the magic of the season look its best and last for years to come.

Keeping the Season Bright, Efficiently

When the lights go up, aluminum gets to work behind the scenes. It’s one of the best materials for managing heat and reflecting light, which makes it essential for energy-efficient LED bulbs and fixtures.

The shiny surface behind your holiday lights helps them glow brighter while using less power. Aluminum reflects light evenly, reduces wasted energy, and keeps bulbs cool, all of which make your décor safer, longer lasting, and more sustainable.

At Golden Aluminum, we take that same mindset into our manufacturing process. Our continuous-casting technology uses less energy than traditional production methods, reduces scrap waste, and allows us to recycle aluminum directly back into our process. By designing efficiency into every step, we’re helping ensure that the materials used to light up the season are made with the same care for energy conservation that they promote.

Aluminum in Packaging: Where Beauty Meets Sustainability

Gift-giving is easily one of the best parts of the holiday season. The hidden star at work? Aluminum. From shiny foils and metallic wraps, to the protective packaging that keeps special deliveries safe, aluminum blends both beauty and functionality to keep the magic of the season alive.

Its reflective finish adds that festive touch we all love, but beyond aluminum’s good looks, it remains one of the most reliable packaging materials. It’s lightweight, durable, and fully recyclable—helping reduce the footprint of packaging that often peaks during the holidays.

Recycling the Magic: Aluminum’s Infinite Life

Even after the holidays wind down, aluminum keeps on giving: every piece of foil, every can, every sheet can be recycled endlessly without losing strength or shine. The same aluminum that helped light up your home this year could come back as something completely new next season.

That’s the magic of true circularity. And at Golden Aluminum, sustainability is a core part of our process. Our advanced systems allow us to melt down and reuse aluminum efficiently, reducing emissions and conserving resources. Each coil we produce helps close the loop on the lifecycle of aluminum, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

A Proudly American Material

We’re proud to manufacture aluminum that supports jobs, communities, and industries across the country right here in the U.S., at our Fort Lupton, Colorado mill. Our teams work year-round to deliver high-quality, sustainable aluminum used in products that are integral to our daily life—including the ones that make the holidays shine.

When you choose goods made from American-produced aluminum, you’re helping fuel innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility right here at home. It’s a win for our economy and for the planet.

Conclusion

From ornaments and lights to packaging and recycling, aluminum plays a part in nearly every corner of the holiday season. It makes decorations sparkle, keeps energy use down, protects gifts, and ensures the materials we rely on come full circle.

At Golden Aluminum, we’re proud to help make that happen—engineering materials that bring together performance, beauty, and environmental responsibility to make the holiday season shine brighter, year after year.

How the FRP Deficit Affects Key Industries

The FRP deficit poses major consequences for North America’s biggest industries. From consumer goods to advanced manufacturing, every sector will feel the strain.

• Automotive: As EVs become more common, an aluminum shortage could mean higher material costs and production slowdowns.
• Beverage packaging: Cans are among the most recycled products worldwide, yet supply constraints risk pushing brands toward less sustainable alternatives.
• Aerospace: Aircraft manufacturing requires advanced aluminum alloys with strict performance standards. Any disruption in access poses both economic and operational risks.
• Construction: Aluminum’s strength and recyclability make it vital to infrastructure and housing projects. With investment in construction on the rise, expanding domestic FRP capacity will help ensure steady progress and long-term growth across the sector.

These challenges highlight why expanding domestic FRP production is essential—not only to meet future demand, but also to ensure the resilience of North America’s key industries.

Market Growth and Rising Demand

The North American FRP market, valued at approximately USD 8.5 billion in 2024, is expected to nearly double to USD 17.1 billion by 2035. Globally, aluminum demand is predicted to grow by nearly 40% by 2030, adding over 33 million tonnes of new consumption², ⁶.

One of the major drivers is the shift toward lighter, more efficient vehicles. In 1980, the average white-goods or passenger vehicle might have used around 120 pounds of aluminum; by 2030, that number could rise toward 556 pounds per vehicle as automakers adopt more aluminum in EV bodies and components. That increase alone represents millions of tonnes more aluminum demand globally.

Meanwhile, US and Canadian production capacity–especially for flat rolled products in key alloys–is constrained. Scaling up will require investment, both in raw capacity and more efficient, agile production techniques.

What’s Driving the Supply Gap?

Several factors explain why supply is struggling to keep pace with demand:

• Trade Policy and Tariffs: In June 2025, Section 232 tariffs on imported aluminum doubled to 50% (excluding the UK)⁴, ⁵. These protections reduce access to foreign supply while increasing costs.
• Pandemic Disruptions: COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in global supply chains, from raw material sourcing to shipping logistics. Many of those challenges are still felt today.
• Energy Costs: Aluminum smelting is energy-intensive. In the US, high electricity prices make restarting or expanding smelters difficult, especially as competition for power grows with technology and data center demand.

The result is a structural imbalance: strong and growing demand with limited–and often unreliable–supply.

Why this Matters for Industry Leaders

A heavy reliance on imports leaves manufacturers exposed to tariff uncertainties, unpredictable shipping timelines, and geopolitical risks. The FRP deficit sends a clear signal: now is the time to expand domestic production capacity. Companies that invest early in sustainable, efficient technology will be best positioned to meet future demand while providing stability to customers and industries.

The Nexcast® Advantage at Golden Aluminum

Since 1982, we at Golden Aluminum have built our business on innovation and agility. This spirit of innovation led to the development of our Nexcast® continuous caster technology: a key player in shaping a smarter, faster, and more sustainable future for aluminum manufacturing.

Built on decades of proven, continuous casting expertise at Golden Aluminum, our Nexcast ® technology is engineered for versatility and high-performance manufacturing—and is well positioned to respond to this moment of rapid demand growth.

Unlike traditional processes, Nexcast® delivers:

• Diverse Alloy Capability: Nexcast® technology supports production of  a wide variety  of alloys.
• Energy Efficiency: The system uses less energy per tonne of output compared to traditional DC processes, aligning with industry goals for lower-carbon aluminum.
• Flexibility and Agility: Nexcast® allows for on-the-fly alloy changes and rapid response to customer needs, ensuring shorter lead times and reliable supply.
• Domestic Reliability: The first Nexcast® has been installed in our Fort Lupton, Colorado, Golden Aluminum mill—offering a secure, US-based supply chain that reduces reliance on imports.

Nexcast® technology isn’t just keeping pace with market demand. It’s helping set the standard for the future of flat rolled products.

Looking Ahead

The North American FRP deficit represents both a risk and an opportunity. For industries that rely on aluminum, the risk lies in constrained supply chains. For producers, the opportunity lies in meeting surging demand with efficient, sustainable, and domestic production.

Golden Aluminum is prepared for this future. Through our Nexcast® technology and commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and reliable domestic supply, we’re helping to close the supply gap while supporting growth in automotive, packaging, aerospace, and construction markets.

If you’re looking to understand more about how Nexcast® works, or explore how Golden Aluminum can be your partner in reliable FRP supply, we’d love to connect. Explore our website or reach out to our team today.

Sources

1. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/north-america-aluminum-flat-rolled-products-market-47426
2. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/11/aluminium-demand-how-to-make-it-sustainable/
3. https://www.aluminum.org/auto-aluminum-growth-era-electrification
4. https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/06/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-increases-section-232-tariffs-on-steel-and-aluminum/
5. https://www.whitecase.com/insight-alert/trump-administration-increases-steel-and-aluminum-section-232-tariffs-50-and-narrows
6. https://international-aluminium.org/report-reveals-global-aluminium-demand-to-reach-new-highs-after-covid/

Why Manufacturing Day Matters

MFG Day is part of a nationwide effort led by the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute, MEP Centers, and other partners to recognize the impact and importance of manufacturing. The fourth industrial revolution is pushing our industry towards rapid change, and with it come advancements in technology, as well as new career opportunities.

From robotics specialists to technicians, bioengineers to machine operators, there are more career paths than ever before. MFG Day gives students, parents, and future workers a chance to see it firsthand, and imagine where they might fit in.

For us at Golden Aluminum, it’s also a chance to share what we’ve been working on. And this year, we had something big to celebrate.

Spotlight on Nexcast®: Our Biggest Tech Upgrade in 40+ Years

A major highlight of the event was the introduction of our newly upgraded Nexcast® casting system—marking the most significant improvement to our casting technology in over four decades.

This next-generation system is a direct reflection of Golden Aluminum’s long-standing commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and technological leadership in the aluminum industry.

Our state-of-the-art casting system has the power to:

• Reduce carbon intensity by up to 60% compared to conventional processes
• Use over 80% recycled end-of-life scrap
• Cut water usage by approximately 86% versus traditional casting routes
• Simplify production by eliminating several intermediate steps

This upgrade replaces Golden’s original block caster, which had been the foundation of our production process for decades. With Nexcast®, we gain tighter process control, improved coil consistency, and the ability to handle a wider range of alloys, including high magnesium 5xxx grades. The system also streamlines production by converting molten aluminum directly into coil form, reducing energy and water consumption in the process.

A Celebration of Progress, Technology, and People

While we were excited to show off our new Nexcast® technology, this year’s MFG Day was really about bringing people together. Throughout the event, attendees were invited to tour our Fort Lupton facility, meet the teams behind our products, and take part in a celebration that included a community cookout, New Zealand ice cream, and our popular employee Auto Show.

Another Milestone for Golden Aluminum

Manufacturing Day 2025 was a reaffirmation of our company’s direction and priorities, reflecting our ongoing investment in our operations, team, and technology.

It was a meaningful day spent with fellow local officials, educators, workforce partners, employees and their families. It brought our community into the heart of our operations and demonstrated the critical role we all play in advancing the future of manufacturing.

Looking Ahead

Golden Aluminum’s heritage is rooted in innovation, sustainability, and pride in U.S. manufacturing. The successful installation of the Nexcast® casting system strengthens our ability to produce responsibly, operate efficiently, and meet the evolving needs of our customers.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to driving progress—both within our community and the industry—and contributing to a resilient, sustainable future for manufacturing.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this important milestone. Here’s to what’s next!

Why Reducing Vehicle Weight Matters

From the moment cars first hit the road, engineers have wrestled with the fact that every extra pound slows you down. A heavier vehicle needs more power to move, more energy to stop, and more fuel (or battery power) to keep going. Shedding weight enables faster acceleration, better handling, and improved efficiency.

But for much of the 20th century, weight reduction wasn’t the priority. Steel was strong, affordable, and easy to mass-produce. It became the foundation of American car manufacturing, while aluminum was reserved for special projects where performance outweighed cost.

From Steel Dominance to Aluminum’s First Breakthroughs

The 1908 Ford Model T set the tone for American automotive production. Its sturdy steel frame and body were built to last, and in an era of unpaved roads, that durability was a necessity. For decades, carmakers stuck with what worked, and steel reigned supreme.

In motorsports, though, aluminum was gaining popularity. Its lighter weight gave race cars an edge, shaving seconds off lap times. In the 1920s and 30s, select luxury and performance brands incorporated the use of aluminum panels to improve agility without compromising strength. After World War II, European manufacturers experimented more widely, but for mass-market American vehicles, steel was still the go-to.

The Turning Point for Aluminum

The oil crises of the 1970s changed everything. Suddenly, fuel efficiency became a selling point, and engineers started rethinking every pound in a vehicle’s design. Through the 1980s and 90s, advances in aluminum alloys brought better strength, corrosion resistance, and workability—making it a more viable alternative for large-scale production.

Decades later, in 2015, Ford released an aluminum-bodied F-150. This was a major turning point for the industry, and proved that aluminum could deliver the toughness truck owners demanded, while cutting hundreds of pounds from the curb weight. Plus, fuel economy and towing performance improved.

Electric vehicles have only accelerated aluminum’s rise. Battery packs are heavy, and every pound saved in the chassis or body range. Many major EV companies have made aluminum a core part of their designs from the start, using it to balance strength, efficiency, and safety.

Why Aluminum Works So Well in Cars

Aluminum’s growth in the auto industry isn’t just about being lighter—it’s about solving multiple design challenges at once:

Lightweight strength

Roughly one-third the density of steel, with alloys that can match it in structural integrity.

Crash safety

Deforms in controlled ways to absorb energy in a collision, protecting passengers.

Corrosion resistance

Naturally forms a protective oxide layer, resisting rust and weather damage.

Sustainability

Can be recycled indefinitely without losing its properties, reducing environmental impact.

This combination makes aluminum ideal for today’s vehicles, from high-performance sports cars to family SUVs and electric trucks.

Golden Aluminum’s Place in the Story

At Golden Aluminum, we’re proud to have been a part of aluminum’s evolution for over four decades. Our 5000-series alloys like 5182 and 5754 combine strength, corrosion resistance, and formability—qualities that automakers depend on for everything from body panels to structural parts.

Our innovative Nexcast® system also strengthens our role in the U.S. automotive supply chain by improving casting speed, consistency, and energy efficiency. It allows us to deliver the quality automakers expect while reducing the environmental footprint of production. And because we produce domestically, we can keep supply chains shorter and turnaround times faster—key advantages in an industry where innovation moves quickly.

Looking Ahead

Aluminum’s rise from racing’s secret weapon to a core material in mainstream vehicles shows how much the auto industry can change when technology, performance, and efficiency goals align. It’s no longer a question of whether aluminum belongs in cars. It’s about how far it can take us.

From lighter, stronger trucks to longer-range EVs, aluminum will continue to shape the road ahead—and Golden Aluminum is ready to help drive the next chapter.

For more information on Golden Aluminum’s automotive alloys, explore our Automotive Solutions.

From Glass Bottles to Church Keys

For decades, beverages came in glass bottles, and while they offered a reliable seal and preserved flavor well, they weren’t exactly practical. Glass bottles are heavy, fragile, and not so easily portable. 

Metal beverage cans later made their way to the mainstream in the 1930s, but these early cans were made of steel, and came with their own set of challenges.

Opening a steel can required a tool known as a “church key,” which punctured two holes: one to drink from, and one for airflow. It was messy, slow, and inconvenient. These cans were also prone to rust and added significant weight to shipments.

The Rise of Aluminum

When aluminum gained momentum in the late 1950s, it completely changed the game. Unlike steel, aluminum’s light weight, corrosion resistance, and recyclability made it the preferred material for beverage manufacturers.

Coors and Hawaii Brewing Company were among the first to test aluminum cans, introducing early versions that cut down on weight and eliminated rust.

Aluminum cans were easier to transport, chilled more quickly, and didn’t shatter like glass. And aluminum’s biggest advantage came just a few years later with the introduction of the pull tab.

The Pull-Tab Revolution

In 1962, Ermal Fraze invented the first removable pull tab after attending a picnic and forgetting his can opener. His design allowed drinkers to open a can with their fingers—no tools, no mess, and no fuss. It wasn’t long after Fraze’s invention that the pull tab had become standard in the US.

But like most new innovations, it came with its own issues. Detached pull tabs quickly became a litter problem, and presented a new, unpredictable safety hazard: children or pets would sometimes swallow them.

Enter: the stay-on tab—a cleaner, safer solution that keeps the tab attached to the can. This basic design was introduced in 1975, and remains in use today.

A Cultural Shift

As aluminum cans became more practical, they also grew in popularity. They fit neatly into coolers and cupholders, travel easily to concerts and sports venues, and offer a far more sustainable choice than plastic. Over time, premium beverage brands and craft breweries embraced the can for its convenience and environmental benefits.

The shift from bottles to cans wasn’t solely about packaging, though. It changed how and where people consumed drinks all over the world. The portability of aluminum made it easier to take our favorite beverages anywhere and everywhere, without worrying about broken glass.

Golden Aluminum’s Role

Most people don’t think twice about opening a can—but our can-maker partners, including some of the world’s most recognized beverage brands, certainly do. And so do we at Golden Aluminum.

Every aluminum can-end tab we produce reflects our commitment to quality, reliability, safety, and precision—from our partners all the way to the final consumer.

Each can-end tab is the result of careful engineering, designed to open smoothly, stay attached, and recycle easily. It’s a small piece of metal, but it plays a big role in making beverage cans better for consumers and the planet.

Brands that value both performance, sustainability and customizability depend on our materials to create beverage packaging that’s not only functional, but also helps shape a greener future.

Looking Ahead

Aluminum didn’t just change beverage containers. It shifted the culture around how we drink. The way we open and enjoy canned drinks today is the result of years of focused engineering and incremental progress—no church keys necessary.

From increasing the recycled content in cans, to developing even more efficient designs, innovation in aluminum packaging is ongoing. At Golden Aluminum, we remain committed to advancing that future by making products that are lighter, stronger, and more sustainable.

Aluminum: The Metal of Many American Traditions

Beyond holiday gatherings, aluminum plays a part in so many daily rituals without us even realizing it!

Picture your classic American summer, and you’ll find aluminum in almost every detail: the sleek travel trailer on a cross-country road trip, the foil wrapped around a fresh corn on the cob, your favorite ice cold canned beverage—even the fireworks on the Fourth of July rely on aluminum powder.

From backyard barbecues and scenic drives, to beach hangouts and outdoor adventures, aluminum is always there.

A Backbone of Industry and Innovation

Aluminum’s significance extends far beyond consumer moments. It’s an essential material that’s continued to help shape key American industries: packaging, automotive, and construction.

Packaging: Aluminum’s lightweight nature, durability, and infinite recyclability make it the gold standard for beverage cans and food packaging. It helps brands deliver products efficiently while reducing environmental impact. In fact, the average aluminum can contains more recycled material than many other packaging types, supporting the circular economy and local manufacturing jobs.

Automotive: Automakers rely on aluminum to craft lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Whether it’s a durable pickup truck built for the open road, or the next cutting-edge electric car shaping the future of transportation, aluminum’s strength-to-weight ratio makes it essential for modern vehicle design. It contributes to better performance, greater range, and reduced emissions.

Construction: From bridges and buildings, to electrical wiring and solar panel frames, aluminum’s durability and corrosion resistance make it a vital material for American infrastructure. It helps ensure that the structures we depend on—both old and new—are built to last, while supporting the shift toward sustainable, energy-efficient construction.

Across these industries and more, aluminum remains a foundation of American innovation and progress.

Golden Aluminum: Proudly Made in the USA

At Golden Aluminum, we’re honored to contribute to aluminum’s enduring legacy. As a US-based aluminum manufacturer, we’re committed to producing high-quality products with an emphasis on sustainability, safety and efficiency.

Our aluminum sheet and coil products are made using up to 80% recycled content, supporting the circular economy and helping to reduce carbon impact. Plus, our proprietary Nexcast® continuous casting system allows us to deliver material quickly and responsibly, helping our partners in packaging, transportation, and beyond stay agile and competitive.

Every coil we produce supports American industries and ingenuity, and we’re proud to manufacture right here in Fort Lupton, Colorado. We’re committed to creating good manufacturing jobs, investing in American communities, and collaborating with customers across the country to build what’s next.

A Metal for Today and Tomorrow

On this July 4th, it’s worth pausing to appreciate how materials like aluminum quietly add to our lives and play a part in building the American dream.

We believe aluminum’s story is far from finished, and it’ll continue to spark innovation, support sustainability, and shape the experiences that bring us together.

Here’s to the traditions we share, the industries we build, and the future we create, together.

From all of us at Golden Aluminum, have a Happy Independence Day!

Why Nexcast?

Nexcast changes the game. By transforming molten aluminum directly into a thin strip and then into a hot coil, Nexcast eliminates ingot casting, sawing, storage, scalping, reheating, and large-scale rolling equipment.

This streamlined process helps lower capital investment and equipment costs, cut emissions and water usage, and increase throughput and alloy versatility.

With Nexcast, we’re making the production of flat-rolled aluminum faster, more efficient, and better for the planet.

What’s New with Nexcast?

Our upgraded blockcaster technology, set to go live in July 2025, represents the biggest achievement in our casting system in over 40 years.

Built on decades of proven, continuous casting expertise at Golden Aluminum, our new Nexcast system is engineered for versatility and high-performance manufacturing. Designed for agility and space-efficiency, the entire system spans just 175 feet—bringing smarter, more compact casting to the heart of our operations.

The system also incorporates more than 80% end-of-life scrap into production, delivering significant sustainability benefits: ~60% reduction in carbon intensity, and ~86% decrease in process water usage.

This upgrade marks a key step in our long-term strategy, allowing us to increase production efficiency, enhance precision and consistency, and strengthen our competitive edge.

Designed for a Circular Economy

At the heart of Nexcast is our commitment to sustainability. We’re building systems that not only perform, but also help protect the planet.

The Nexcast system significantly reduces land use and minimizes the environmental impact of construction, while also cutting emissions across the entire value chain. It’s built to align with the needs of environmentally conscious industries, from electric vehicles and renewable energy, to sustainable construction and infrastructure.

The Future of Aluminum Manufacturing Starts Here

For over 40 years, Golden Aluminum has led the way in continuous casting, developing systems that are efficient, adaptable, and environmentally responsible.

Now, with our Nexcast upgrade, we’re taking everything we’ve learned and applying it to a smarter, more technologically advanced casting system—one that’s built to meet the demands of modern markets and future-focused industries.

Visit goldenaluminum.com to learn more about our innovative approach to responsible aluminum production.

Break Up With Plastic Bottles

Love a cool, crisp beverage on a hot day? Aluminum cans outperform plastic bottles all the way. They cool faster, protect the taste of your drinks, and are way easier to recycle.

And, unlike plastic, aluminum doesn’t lose its quality with each recycling cycle. In fact, nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today.

Plus, aluminum cans are lightweight and easy to pack in and out, whether you’re headed to the mountains or the beach.

Choosing cans over plastic is one of the easiest ways to reduce single-use waste this summer.

Lighter Weight. Lower Emissions.

Aluminum plays a key role in making vehicles lighter and more efficient. In cars, trucks, trailers, and RVs, aluminum components help reduce weight, which improves fuel efficiency and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.

For summer travel, this means longer trips, fewer stops, and more money saved at the pump. Plus, a smaller carbon footprint along the way. Talk about a win-win-win!

Cool the House, Not the Neighborhood

When the temperatures rise, your HVAC system works overtime to keep things comfortable, with aluminum doing the heavy lifting.

Most HVAC units use aluminum coils to transfer heat efficiently, making it easier and more efficient to regulate indoor temps. That translates to less energy use and lower utility bills in a season where cool air conditioning isn’t just essential–it’s crucial.

Smarter Grilling, Less Waste

Nothing says summer quite like a big backyard barbecue. And aluminum makes it easier, cleaner, and more efficient.

Foil, grill trays, and heat-resistant aluminum components help distribute heat evenly and reduce mess. These materials are widely recyclable and simple to use, helping to keep waste to a minimum after the meal is over.

And when cleaned and recycled properly, these products re-enter the aluminum cycle instead of ending up in a landfill–a small shift that contributes to a cleaner future over time.

Recycle the Golden Aluminum Way

The #1 thing we love about aluminum? It never wears out.

A recycled soda can could be back on the shelf within 60 days, or repurposed as a car part, a window frame, or another can. As one of the most recyclable materials on the planet, its ability to be reused indefinitely makes it a key material in building a sustainable future.

At Golden Aluminum, we specialize in producing aluminum that supports a circular economy. Our production process is designed to reduce waste, conserve energy, and deliver high-quality materials made with recycled content.

We don’t just manufacture aluminum. We make it smarter.

A Sustainable Summer Starts with Sustainable Materials

No matter what plans you have in store this season, there’s an easy way to make it more sustainable. And it starts with aluminum: a material that performs well, lasts longer, and can be reused again and again.

From road trips to backyard hangouts, aluminum is key to a cooler, cleaner, and more sustainable summer. And at Golden Aluminum, we’re proud to help make this possible by using recycled content, reducing waste, and helping our partners make smarter, greener choices that last.

Visit goldenaluminum.com to learn more about our commitment to responsible aluminum production.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and the NMSS

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms including fatigue, mobility challenges, and cognitive difficulties. While the cause remains unknown, research has made significant progress in improving treatments and quality of life for those living with MS.

Since its founding in 1946, the NMSS has played a pivotal role in funding research, advocating for policy changes, and providing support to individuals and families affected by the disease. Bike MS is one of the organization’s flagship fundraising events, bringing together cyclists of all levels to ride in support of a world free of MS.

Event Details

New for 2025, all participants—including those taking the short route—will start together at CU Boulder, fostering a greater sense of camaraderie. Those riding shorter distances will be transported to strategic points along the route, ensuring they finish alongside the rest of the team.

Registration and Fundraising

Golden Aluminum encourages all interested employees, family members, and friends to sign up and be part of the team. Participants can register at the Team Golden fundraising page and use the code CLUBK25 for a 50% discount on registration.

Fundraising is a key component of the event, with a $400 minimum per participant. While this may seem ambitious, Golden Aluminum has historically secured team donations from vendors and customers to help cover individual fundraising minimums. Additionally, Golden Aluminum will match up to $10,000 in donations, effectively doubling contributions made by participants and supporters.

Why Participate?

• Team Building – Strengthen connections with colleagues, family, and friends while supporting a meaningful cause.
  
• Personal Challenge – Whether riding 25 miles or 100, every participant plays a role in advancing MS research and support.
  
• Community Impact – All funds raised contribute directly to NMSS initiatives, helping those affected by MS receive better care and resources.⁶

Ways to Support

For those who may not be able to ride, there are other ways to contribute:

1. 1. Donate – Contributions to Team Golden’s fundraising page will directly support NMSS programs.
      
   2. Spread the Word – Share the event and fundraising efforts with your network to increase awareness.
      
   3. Encourage Participation – Friends, family, and colleagues are welcome to join the team, regardless of experience level.

Last year, Team Golden raised $11,242.12 to support the National MS Society. This year, we aim to surpass that milestone and make an even bigger impact. With every ride, donation, and shared story, we are moving closer to a world without MS. Let’s come together, push further, and make 2025 our most successful ride yet.

For additional information about the event and the NMSS, visit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society website.

Jump to Any Section:

1. Why Aluminum Stands Out
2. Aluminum Fabrication Applications
3. Understanding Common Aluminum Alloys
4. Cost Comparisons: Aluminum vs. Other Metals
5. Environmental Benefits of Aluminum
6. Global Aluminum Suppliers and Manufacturers
7. Future of Fabrication: Innovations with Aluminum

Why Aluminum Stands Out

Aluminum’s lightweight strength and durability gives it an edge over steel, copper, and titanium in many applications. Aluminum has a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes it perfect for the aerospace and automotive industries, where lightweight components are necessary.

Unlike steel, aluminum naturally resists corrosion by forming a protective oxide layer, making it ideal for environments exposed to moisture or harsh conditions. And compared to copper and titanium, aluminum is far more budget-friendly.

Aluminum strikes the perfect balance between cost and performance–a practical choice for fabrication projects.

Aluminum Fabrication Applications

As one of the most versatile materials out there, aluminum outshines the others in several major industries, including:

• Aerospace: Lightweight and strong, aluminum is essential for aircraft parts and helps improve fuel efficiency.
• Automotive: Whether used for stamping, heat-treated applications, or other automotive components, aluminum plays a crucial role in both interior and exterior applications. Its lightweight properties enhance fuel efficiency, while its durability and sustainability make it a top choice for modern vehicle design.
• Construction: Aluminum is a strong, corrosion-resistant option that provides excellent structural integrity, making it ideal for durable and long-lasting building applications.
• Consumer Goods: Aluminum is widely used in everyday products like beverage cans and packaging.

Understanding Common Aluminum Alloys

Aluminum’s adaptability is enhanced by its alloys, each tailored for specific uses:

• 5182 aluminum alloy: With the highest magnesium content, this alloy offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and formability. It is commonly used in beverage can tabs and ends, automotive internal components such as doors and reinforcements, and various computer and electronic applications where durability and lightweight properties are essential.
• 5052 aluminum alloy: Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, it’s popular in marine and construction applications.
• 5754 aluminum alloy: Used in automotive parts, it’s valued for its strength and weldability.
• 5352 aluminum alloy: Ideal for food packaging, offering both strength and resistance to corrosion.
• 5042 aluminum alloy: This alloy is known for its good corrosion resistance and moderate strength. It is often used in applications such as pressure vessels and fuel tanks, where its ability to withstand corrosive environments is beneficial. 
• 5082 aluminum alloy: This alloy offers a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and formability. It is widely used in marine and automotive applications, particularly for structural and body components that require lightweight performance without compromising durability.

Choosing the right alloy and aluminum gauge thickness ensures optimal performance for a wide range of fabrication needs. These factors play a critical role in determining the material’s functionality, cost, and overall effectiveness in specific applications.

Cost Comparisons: Aluminum vs. Other Metals

While steel might seem cheaper upfront, its heavier weight and potential for rust-related maintenance can drive up costs over time. Copper, while excellent for conductivity, is much more expensive, making it less practical for large-scale projects. And titanium, though incredibly strong, is out of budget for most applications.

With competitive pricing per pound, aluminum is a practical option for businesses aiming to balance cost, quality, and performance. Its lifecycle savings—thanks to recyclability and reduced maintenance—make it even more appealing for long-term projects.

Environmental Benefits of Aluminum

Aluminum’s green credentials are hard to beat. It’s infinitely recyclable, and recycling aluminum uses significantly less energy than creating new material. Manufacturers like Golden Aluminum are setting the standard by using recycled aluminum in production, helping businesses achieve sustainability goals while delivering high-quality materials–as well as meet growing consumer demands for eco-friendly practices.

Global Aluminum Suppliers and Manufacturers

From aluminum sheets to beverage cans and aluminum coils, innovation is everywhere. The aluminum supply chain includes a wide variety of specialized manufacturers, each serving unique needs in fabrication:

• Aluminum Sheet Manufacturers: These manufacturers produce flat-rolled products essential for the construction and automotive sectors. In construction, aluminum sheet is widely used in building cladding and gutters, contributing to lightweight and durable structures. In the automotive industry, aluminum sheet is increasingly utilized for body panels and structural components, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. 
• Beverage Can Manufacturers: Aluminum is prominently used in the packaging industry, with leading suppliers producing billions of cans annually to meet the demand for lightweight, recyclable packaging. Alloys like 5182 are commonly used for can ends and tabs due to their excellent formability and strength, facilitating efficient production and recycling processes. 
• Aluminum Coil Suppliers: Specializing in a range of applications, these suppliers provide aluminum coils tailored for specific project needs. In the HVAC industry, aluminum coils are used due to their thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. In construction, aluminum coils are utilized for roofing and siding materials, offering durability and flexibility. Suppliers often offer custom solutions, adjusting the gauge and alloy composition to meet precise specifications.

As one of the leading aluminum manufacturers in the US, Golden Aluminum offers sustainable and forward-thinking solutions that keep up with the demands of modern fabrication. By focusing on efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility, Golden Aluminum continues to drive the aluminum industry towards a greener future.

Future of Fabrication: Innovations with Aluminum

Advancements in aluminum fabrication are driving material substitution, downgauging, and optimized material usage without compromising strength or functionality. In automotive, new high-strength, flexible alloys enhance performance and efficiency, while packaging innovations focus on using thinner, recyclable aluminum for sustainability. Additionally, nanotechnology is revolutionizing aluminum’s properties, improving durability, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance for next-generation applications.

Conclusion

If versatility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability are what you’re looking for, look no further than aluminum as your go-to material.

Discover how Golden Aluminum supports cutting-edge fabrication solutions and sustainable practices. Visit goldenaluminum.com to learn more or connect with a trusted aluminum supplier.