Are Aluminum Wall Systems More Sustainable Than Standard Drywall?

Aluminum wall systems deliver sustainable benefits throughout their lifecycle compared to gypsum-based drywall. Aluminum is infinitely recyclable without quality degradation—scrap from manufacturing and end-of-life panels can re-enter the smelting loop, reducing embodied energy by up to 95% versus primary production. Conversely, drywall recycling is limited; gypsum paper facers and joint compound residues often contaminate recycling streams, and many demolition boards end up in landfills, releasing sulfur compounds.

From a waste perspective, precision factory fabrication minimizes offcuts and job-site debris. Leftover drywall mud, paper waste, and sanding dust generate significant on-site disposal costs, whereas aluminum panel offcuts are clean metal scrap readily collected and recycled. Moreover, the lightweight nature of aluminum panels reduces transportation emissions relative to heavier gypsum boards. With LEED and other green building certifications placing value on recycled content, regional manufacturing options, and material reuse, aluminum wall systems can earn credits more readily than standard drywall assemblies—helping architects and owners achieve ambitious sustainability goals.