The Tomago smelter in Australia (Alcan 51.55% ownership) seeks to manage wastes and residues in the best ways to reduce the environmental footprint and provide acceptable social and environmental solutions.

This sustainable approach was demonstrated in 2004 with a plan to export SPL to Italy, where it is reprocessed for use in other industry applications. Many employees were involved in the successful export of the SPL, which required diligent planning and targeted consultation with all stakeholders. This included local, national and international authorities charged with administering the safe movement of hazardous wastes, local residents and community members concerned with storage and transport of wastes, employees and contractors involved in preparing and transporting the material, as well as port operations and shipping personnel.

In August and December 2004, Tomago sent two shipments of SPL to Italy, representing a total of 14,700 tonnes (equivalent to the volume generated in the last 24 to 30 months). In Italy, the SPL is reprocessed into an additive used in electric arc furnace steel making.