At Metalcolor, we firmly believe in the positive impact of collective efforts, especially when it comes to supporting significant humanitarian causes. We are proud to be part of the “Mercy Ships Network of entrepreneurs”, an initiative that enables us to support the vital missions of Mercy Ships. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mercy Ships for their dedicated work and deep commitment, which tangibly transform lives by providing essential surgical care in the neediest regions. Their current work in Sierra Leone perfectly embodies this commitment, and we are honoured to contribute to a cause that restores hope and gives new life to so many.
Numa Garcia
Marketing Manager
In response to an invitation from the government of Sierra Leone, Mercy Ships arrived at the port of Freetown in August 2023 to begin a 10-month mission. This marks the sixth visit of Mercy Ships to the country in 30 years—and the very first visit of the Global Mercy.
Midway through the mission, by the end of December, the volunteer crew of the Global Mercy had welcomed 712 patients onboard for a total of 1,132 surgical interventions. Hope and healing came to life in the ship’s hospital wards, with patients recovering from long-awaited surgical procedures. This year, the surgical specialties included maxillofacial and ENT, reconstructive plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and general paediatrics. In 2024, we are excited to complete this mission in Sierra Leone and to make surgical care accessible to even more people.
Each surgical operation performed onboard is more than just a number. It represents a fresh start in someone’s life.
Claude Ziehli
Mercy Ships
Corporate Fundraising, Mercy Ships Network and Foundations
For those interested in partnering with entrepreneurs committed to saving lives in Africa, additional information is available on the Entrepreneurs – NGO Mercy Ships Switzerland network: https://mercyships.ch/en/get-involved/entrepreneurs-network/
The unique thing about aluminium recycling is that when it is melted and cast into a new product, it has the same properties and the same quality as new aluminium. However, this requires the right expertise, the right technology and high-quality scrap.
As the energy required to recycle aluminium is around 5%* of the energy required for primary production, the environmental benefits of recycling are obvious.
Due to the long lifespan of aluminium applications, such as in buildings and transport vehicles, the amount of aluminium scrap available today is limited to the amount that was put on the market many years ago and comes back in the form of collected used aluminium. 75%* of all aluminium produced since the beginning of industrial production is still in use and about half of the aluminium produced in Europe comes from recycled material*.
As this quantity is far below current demand in view of the continuing market growth, the gap must be covered by the primary aluminium industry. The demand for a high proportion of recycled aluminium in components does not change this.
The aim should be to further increase the already high collection and sorting rate of aluminium products in order to improve the proportion of this resource for future generations. Aluminium beverage cans are a good example of the circular economy. In some regions, recycling rates for these alloys reach 95%*.
European Aluminium is against setting recycling rates at product level, as these have little environmental relevance and depend heavily on availability.
Unfortunately, some aluminium producers engage in greenwashing by increasing the recycled content of certain product groups to achieve higher prices. However, the recycled content has to be replaced by primary aluminium in other product groups, so that the manufacturer’s overall balance in terms of recycled content does not change, but the profit margins do.
Luis Ovelha
Head of Sales & Aluminium Purchasing Manager
- Source: European Aluminium Association www.european-aluminium.eu
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) has been gradually phased in across the EU since October 2023. Rolled out in several stages, it will consist of imposing a tax on the carbon emissions on certain products imported into Europe. The aim of this mechanism is to prevent the relocation of CO₂ emissions linked to industrial production to less restrictive countries. Initially, the imports concerned will be iron, steel, cement, aluminium, fertiliser, electricity and hydrogen. Other products will be added from 2026.
Products of EFTA origin (of which Switzerland is a member) or EU origin are not affected by this tax. Our metal is exclusively of European or EFTA origin. No registration is therefore required for our deliveries.
Morgane Bourdon
ISO & IMS Coordinator
Metalcolor is excited to financially sponsor the “School of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg” students in the Shell Eco-marathon. This collaboration focuses on ETA-ONE, a student-engineered vehicle designed for sustainable transportation, boasting impressive features like an internal combustion engine with just 0.22 L consumption per 100 km.
The Shell Eco-marathon, now in its 39th year, gathers young engineers from Europe and Africa to create ultra-efficient vehicles. The ETA-ONE team, led this year by marketing head Olivier Henderson, has demonstrated resilience and innovation over four years, aiming for a fuel efficiency breakthrough of 400-450 km per liter.
This year, these future engineers are revamping their vehicle with test benches for extensive testing, a redesigned rear chassis, and overhauls in braking and steering systems for enhanced performance.
Aiming to qualify for the World Championships in October 2024, their progress highlights the practical, real-world education they receive. Metalcolor’s sponsorship underscores our commitment to fostering education and innovation for a sustainable future.
Numa Garcia
Marketing Manager
Metalcolor SA has been officially accredited with the esteemed ECCA Premium® label. This recognition places us on the distinguished list of companies who are committed to delivering superior quality and sustainable products.
The European Coil Coating Association (ECCA) Premium® label represents a seal of excellence within the industry. It’s awarded only to those coil coaters who have undergone meticulous inspections by certified independent auditing bodies and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
For those unfamiliar with the organization: the ECCA is the prominent industry body that promotes the use of coil and/or sheet coated metal as the environmentally conscious choice for construction and manufacturing industries. ECCA encourages continuous improvement in environmental processes and quality standards. The ECCA Premium® certification is an acknowledgment of exceptional product reliability, environmental responsibility, and the highest levels of quality assurance.
Quality and sustainability have always been two pillars of Metalcolor’s success. The ECCA Premium® label underlines the reliability and security we offer our customers when they choose our products. This applies to our MecoClassic, MecoTouch, MecoElox and MecoPremium collections
Products with the ECCA Premium® label are known for their exceptional colour durability and corrosion resistance, making them perfect for creative design applications. Additionally, this label ensures that the metal used in these products is produced in an environmentally responsible and safe manner.
We express our gratitude to our clients for their continued support and trust in our products and services. We look forward to serving you with our now officially ECCA Premium® certified products, delivering the very best in quality and sustainability.
Numa Garcia,
Marketing Manager