Marine Air Flow International’s transition to LocAl Super Green strengthens its niche in the marine sector
Marine Air Flow International is an innovative Australian manufacturer with expertise in designing and manufacturing engine ventilation equipment. The company has built a reputation as a niche player in a highly specialised sector. Focusing on creating filtration systems that separate salt mist particles from the air and provide clean air into engine rooms, the company plays a crucial role in marine engineering. It designs solutions for new builds, retrofits, and rebuilds, serving clients worldwide. Nearly 50% of its business is exported globally.
Many of the components within their carefully engineered and high-performance solutions are manufactured from aluminium supplied by Capral. “We’ve had a longstanding relationship with Capral,” said Blake Highland, Production Manager for Marine Air Flow International. “They provide several custom extrusions for us to use in our proprietary designs.”
In 2022, Capral Introduced LocAl®, a low-carbon aluminium option. The primary aluminium used in Capral’s LocAl® offer is produced using alternative energy sources, which significantly lowers the CO2 emissions associated with its production, at just 4kg CO2e/1kg Al*. LocAl Supergreen offers substantially lower embodied carbon than aluminium produced using traditional sources, which averages 12.46kg CO2e/1kg Al.
LocAl® Super Green provides all the benefits of high-performance aluminium, such as corrosion resistance, strength, durability, and versatility, while minimising the environmental impact traditionally associated with aluminium production. With increasing global demand for greener products, LocAl Super Green offers companies a competitive edge, enabling them to meet market expectations for sustainability without compromising on quality or performance.
For Marine Air Flow International, LocAl Super Green has differentiated the company in a global marketplace and allowed it to access primary materials aligned with its forward-thinking commitment to sustainability. The adoption of Capral’s LocAl® Super Green was not a decision made lightly. Marine Airflow conducted a detailed analysis to assess the cost implications of switching to the low-carbon extrusion.
While Capral supplies the LocAl® product at a small premium, the cost impact associated with switching to LocAl® across their product range is minimal for most businesses.
“We wanted to make sure we could calculate the extra costs involved with using Super Green, and that’s when we saw the benefit in the long term. We recognised that the shift would enhance our sustainability efforts and strengthen our position as an industry leader,” said Blake.
Marine Air Flow International has been recognised for its innovative contributions to the marine ventilation industry. It recently won the Small Business Award at the Australian Export Awards, celebrating its remarkable international growth. In June 2024, the company received the Gold Coast Business Excellence Award, reinforcing its commitment to excellence within the local business community. These accolades highlight Marine Air Flow’s dedication to quality and significant influence on the global marine industry.
Using advanced materials like Capal’s LocAl® Super Green further enhances the company’s impact. By integrating sustainable, high-performance solutions, Marine Airflow continues to meet the evolving needs of environmentally conscious marine operators.
In conclusion, Marine Air Flow International’s partnership with Capral is a testament to the power of collaboration between specialist manufacturers and leading suppliers. By using Capral’s LocAl® Super Green extrusion, Marine Air Flow enhances the quality and performance of its engine ventilation systems and demonstrates its commitment to sustainability. This move places Marine Air Flow in an ideal position to lead the way in an increasingly environmentally conscious global market, ensuring long-term success and reinforcing its reputation as a niche leader in its field.
*Capral utilises a Mass Balance System in line with ISO 20095:2020 Chain of Custody to manage its LocAl Products. CO2e emissions stated are ex-smelter based on kilograms emitted per kilogram of aluminium produced – Aluminium Smelting and Casting