CARS

• Aluminum makes better vehicles. The use of aluminum in automobiles and commercial vehicles is accelerating because it offers the fastest, safest, most environmentally friendly and cost-effective way to improve performance, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. The Aluminum Association's Aluminum Transportation Group (ATG) promotes the benefits of aluminum in transportation through research programs and related outreach activities.

• Building and construction

• Aluminum was first used in construction in large quantities in the 1920s. These applications are mainly oriented towards decorative details and art deco structures. The breakthrough came in 1930, when the main structure inside the Empire State Building was built with aluminum (including the interior structure and the famous spire). Today, aluminum is recognized as one of the most energy efficient and sustainable building materials. It is estimated that 85% of the aluminum used in buildings constructed today comes from recycled materials. Aluminum-intensive LEED certified buildings have won platinum, Gold and Best sustainability awards across the country.

• Electrical

Aluminum-based wires were first used in utility applications in the early 1900s. The use of aluminum wire grew rapidly after World War II, and it increasingly replaced copper wire as the conductor of choice in the utility grid. Metal has significant cost and weight advantages over copper and is now the material of choice for power transmission and distribution purposes. The AA-8000 series aluminum alloy conductors have more than 40 years of reliable field installation experience and have been specially recognized by the national electrical Code for more than 30 years.

• Electronics and appliances

• Household appliances - washers, dryers, refrigerators, and laptops - exist as they do today because of aluminum's light weight, structural strength, and thermal properties. From West Bend's 1970 Presto Cooker to Apple's iPod, iPad, and iPhone, iconic brands have one characteristic in common: the use of aluminum.

• Film and packaging

• The origins of aluminum foil date back to the early 1900s. Life Savers, one of today's most popular candies, was first packaged in aluminum foil in 1913. To this day, candy is still packaged in the world-famous aluminum foil tube. Over the past 100 years, the use of aluminum foil has grown to almost endless quantities. From Christmas tree decorations to spacecraft insulation, from TV dinners to medicine packs - aluminum foil improves our products and our lives in many ways.

• Other markets

• Since aluminum entered major U.S. markets in the early 1900s, the metal's influence has grown exponentially. As aluminum enters its second century of widespread use, new scientific and production technologies continue to expand its market potential. Solar panel nanotechnology, transparent aluminum alloys, and aluminum-air batteries will help lead the innovation market in the 21st century.