The new START sustainability label allows consumers to see information about where and how the aluminum products they purchase are made. (Rio Tinto photo)

Rio Tinto launches new ‘nutrition label’ for aluminum products

START sustainability label gives information about where and how aluminum products are made

  • Feb. 3, 2021 12:00 a.m.

Rio Tinto is launching a new, digital ‘nutrition label’ for their aluminum products to create higher transparency within the aluminum industry.

START is a digital sustainability label that uses “secure blockchain technology”, a media release from Rio Tinto said. By scanning the QR code in the label on the aluminum products, users will gain access to information about where and how the products they purchase are made.

Information provided includes carbon footprint, water use, recycled content, energy sources, community investment, safety performance, diversity in leadership, business integrity, regulatory compliance, and transparency.

“START is a significant step forward for the aluminum industry as the first offering of this kind, setting a new standard on transparency, traceability and responsible production from mine to market,” Alf Barrios, Rio Tinto Aluminum chief executive, said. “Our vision is that our customers can showcase the sustainability of the aluminum they purchase from Rio Tinto to their consumers, delivering full value from our responsible production.”

The START sustainability label is now available for aluminum purchased from Rio Tinto’s operations managed globally.

Rio Tinto also said in the release that, through START, they will “provide technical through a sustainability advisory service and support for customers looking to build their sustainability offerings, benchmark and improve performance, support sourcing goals and access to green financing”.

READ MORE: Rio Tinto, AB InBev partner to make more environmentally-friendly beer cans


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