Sustainability
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Code of Conduct
American Buffalo Metals’ Code of Conduct outlines the principles and expectations that guide our operations, workplace behavior, and business relationships. It covers topics such as human rights, fair labor practices, environmental responsibility, anti-corruption, and ethical conduct across all levels of the company. The Code serves as a foundation for our commitment to integrity, safety, and respect—both internally and in our interactions with customers, suppliers, and the community.
A copy of our Code of Conduct is available upon request by reaching out through the Contact Us page on our website.
ESG Policies
Environmental Commitment Policy
We will:
- Reduce Emissions: Monitor and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with ASI’s climate expectations.
- Improve Energy Use: Increase energy efficiency and prioritize renewable energy sources where feasible.
- Manage Waste Responsibly: Promote recycling, reduce landfill waste, and handle hazardous materials safely.
- Protect Water Resources: Use water efficiently, prevent pollution, and manage wastewater responsibly.
- Prevent Pollution: Control air, water, and noise pollution to protect the environment and surrounding communities.
Social Responsibility Policy
We commit to:
- Respect Human Rights: Uphold the rights of all individuals, including workers, communities, and Indigenous Peoples.
- Ensure Fair Labor Practices: Provide safe working conditions, fair wages, and equal opportunities without discrimination.
- Engage Stakeholders: Maintain open communication with employees, communities, and other stakeholders.
- Promote Health & Safety: Implement proactive health and safety measures to prevent accidents and occupational hazards.
Governance and Ethics Policy
We will:
- Act with Integrity: Operate transparently and ethically, with zero tolerance for corruption or bribery.
- Comply with Laws: Follow all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, as well as ASI Performance Standard criteria.
- Conduct Due Diligence: Identify and manage ESG risks through regular assessments and continuous improvement.
- Maintain Accountability: Assign clear responsibilities for ESG performance and report progress to stakeholders.
Responsible Sourcing Policy
The quality of our products begins with the integrity of our supply chain. We hold our suppliers to rigorous standards for quality and ethical practices, while ensuring they are treated with fairness and respect. By fostering strong, transparent relationships, we create a foundation that supports consistent excellence and responsible business practices.
At American Buffalo Metals, we are committed to responsible sourcing practices that promote environmental stewardship, ethical conduct, and supply chain transparency. Our approach is grounded in due diligence and aligns with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals from Conflict-Affected and High-Risk Areas. We require all suppliers to comply with our environmental responsibility standards, which are aligned with our internal ASI-based framework and ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. Our sourcing practices adhere to all applicable Alabama state laws and federal regulations, and we do not source from countries or entities listed on any applicable restricted or sanctioned lists. As part of our due diligence process, it is our standard practice to evaluate all suppliers through comprehensive assessments. This includes initial qualification, ongoing monitoring, and performance tracking using key performance indicators (KPIs). We expect our suppliers to demonstrate transparency, continuous improvement, and accountability in all aspects of their operations. We also maintain a Supplier Code of Conduct (SCoC) that outlines our expectations regarding legal compliance, labor practices, and environmental impact. By holding our partners to these standards, we aim to foster a resilient, ethical, and sustainable supply chain that supports our long-term business goals and builds stakeholder trust.
Impact Management Statement
At ABM, we take a proactive approach to impact management, ensuring that environmental, social, and governance principles guide our decisions and partnerships. We uphold these standards across all our operations and commit to doing the same in any future expansions of business. As part of this commitment, we implement environmental and human rights impact assessments, aligned with applicable external standards such as the UN Guiding Principles, to identify, manage, and mitigate risks. These assessments are regularly updated to reflect evolving operational contexts and stakeholder concerns. Our stakeholder engagement process is inclusive, transparent, and structured to ensure meaningful participation from affected communities, workers, civil society, and other relevant parties. Where applicable, we apply Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols. Stakeholder input directly informs our risk mitigation strategies and operational decisions. ABM is committed to public disclosure of impact assessments, mitigation plans, and performance metrics, in line with ASI’s transparency requirements. We integrate circular economy principles, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience into our operational planning. Our continuous improvement approach drives innovation in sustainability and reinforces our commitment to responsible production and long-term value creation.
Supplier Code of Conduct, Terms and Conditions, & Supplier Survey
Supplier Evaluation Process
As part of our supplier evaluation and approval process, all prospective suppliers and contractors are required to acknowledge our Supplier Code of Conduct and complete the Supplier Survey. These documents, along with our Terms and Conditions, help ensure alignment with our values and operational standards before any business relationship is established.
Emergency Response
American Buffalo Metals’ Emergency Response Plan outlines the procedures and responsibilities for managing a wide range of emergency scenarios, including severe weather, fire, hazardous spills, molten metal incidents, and security threats. It includes evacuation protocols, communication systems, fire prevention measures, and training requirements to ensure the safety of employees, visitors, and contractors. The plan reflects ABM’s commitment to preparedness and responsible operations.
Community Safety and Environmental Responsibility
At American Buffalo Metals, we take our role in the community seriously and operate with a strong commitment to safety, transparency, and environmental stewardship.
We are fully prepared for emergency situations through ongoing training and operational experience. Our team follows a safety-first approach that prioritizes the well-being of employees, neighbors, and all stakeholders.
Our facility is designed to minimize long-term environmental risks. We use an advanced afterburner system that incinerates airborne particles before they exit our stack—resulting in little to no visible smoke and cleaner air for our community.
We continuously evaluate our operations to identify and mitigate risks, and we welcome feedback or concerns from our community. Open communication and responsible practices are central to how we operate.
Mergers, Acquisitions, and Closure Plans
American Buffalo Metals’ Contingency and Transition Plan outline structured approaches for managing suspended operations, mergers and acquisitions, and plant closures. It includes strategies for business resilience, stakeholder communication, environmental safeguards, and regulatory compliance. The plan is designed to uphold ABM’s standards and values while minimizing disruption and ensuring ethical, legal, and environmentally responsible transitions.
Environmental
At American Buffalo Metals, environmental stewardship is central to how we operate. We recognize that our activities affect not only our customers and employees, but also the ecosystems and communities that surround us. That’s why we’ve aligned our practices with the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative (ASI), a globally recognized framework that promotes sustainability, transparency, and biodiversity protection throughout the aluminum value chain. Our commitment includes responsible sourcing, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles, all aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. We actively collaborate with stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and industry partners to identify and mitigate environmental risks, while supporting the long-term health of local ecosystems. Special attention is given to preserving biodiversity—protecting native species, minimizing habitat disruption, and ensuring our operations coexist respectfully with the natural environment. As part of our dedication to transparency, we maintain detailed records on greenhouse gas emissions, air and water discharges, waste management, and other key environmental performance indicators. These documents are available to stakeholders upon request, and in the event of a reportable incident, we ensure timely and open communication to support accountability and continuous improvement.
Our Commitment to Environmental Progress
At American Buffalo Metals, we’re actively pursuing projects that reflect our commitment to a more sustainable future. One of our key initiatives is focused on significantly reducing our natural gas usage, which will positively impact our emissions profile in 2026 and move us closer to our environmental goals.
We’re also rethinking waste through the lens of circular economy principles. By identifying opportunities for our by-products to be repurposed in other industries, we’re working to minimize landfill contributions and maximize resource efficiency.
These efforts are part of our broader ambition to operate responsibly and contribute to a healthier planet.
Why Secondary Aluminum Matters
At American Buffalo Metals, we’re proud to report a baseline carbon footprint of 0.54846 kg CO₂e per kg of aluminum produced. This low emissions intensity is a direct result of our commitment to using secondary aluminum, which requires significantly less energy than primary aluminum production and generates far fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
By choosing recycled aluminum, we’re not only reducing our environmental impact—we’re also supporting a circular economy that values resource efficiency and sustainability. Secondary aluminum is the smarter, cleaner choice for the planet, and we’re proud to be part of that solution.
Emissions Performance Benchmarking
ABM’s current emissions intensity stands at 0.54846 kg CO₂e per kg of aluminum, placing the company firmly within the expected range for secondary aluminum producers using end-of-life scrap. This performance is significantly better than the global average for primary A356 aluminum, which can exceed 16 kg CO₂e/kg, and even outperforms many low-carbon primary producers that average between 4–8 kg CO₂e/kg. Compared to other secondary A356 aluminum producers, ABM’s emissions are competitive—especially considering that operations using old scrap often report intensities up to 0.60 kg CO₂e/kg. While ABM’s emissions are slightly above the best-in-class secondary producers (who may achieve intensities below 0.40 kg CO₂e/kg), the company’s performance reflects a strong foundation in sustainable production.
Pathway to Greater Efficiency
As indicated in the ABM Sustainability Report, the company has laid out a clear and actionable emissions reduction roadmap aligned with the 1.5°C climate scenario. Short-term goals include a 10% reduction in emissions intensity by 2029, targeting 0.50 kg CO₂e/kg, with mid- and long-term goals aiming for 0.40 kg CO₂e/kg. Key initiatives include implementing heat recovery measures to improve thermal efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, along with upgrades to combustion control and insulation systems to enhance overall furnace performance as well as continuous improvement of preventative maintenance. ABM is actively evaluating innovative technologies and exploring new circular economy initiatives to further reduce environmental impact and enhance operational sustainability. These forward-looking strategies position ABM to become one of the most efficient secondary aluminum producers in North America.
Social
Human Rights & Gender Responsive Policy Commitment
American Buffalo Metals is committed to respecting internationally recognized Human Rights and upholding the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), in a manner appropriate to its size, operational context, and risk profile. As a minimum, this commitment includes:
- Gender-Responsive Approach We recognize the importance of gender equality in the realization of Human Rights. Our Policy commitment is gender-responsive, ensuring that the rights, needs, and experiences of all genders are considered and respected throughout our operations and decision-making processes.
- Policy Review and Update To ensure continued relevance and effectiveness, the Policy commitment shall be:
- Reviewed at least every five (5) years, regardless of changes in operations.
- Reviewed upon any significant change to the Business that may alter the nature or scope of Material Human Rights risks.
- Reviewed upon any indication of a control gap, including findings from internal audits, stakeholder feedback, or grievance mechanisms.
- Public Disclosure The latest version of this Policy commitment shall be made publicly available through our official website and other appropriate communication channels to ensure transparency and accountability.
At ABM, we are committed to building a workplace where women thrive in technical and operational roles. Through inclusive recruitment, mentoring by experienced female staff, PPE designed for women, facility accommodations such as dedicated changing rooms, and supportive measures for life-stage needs, we are actively creating a safer, more equitable environment. Our initiatives reflect a long-term commitment to inclusion, advancement, and representation in aluminum manufacturing.
Modern Slavery and Human Rights Statement
As a young and dynamic company operating solely within the United States, we recognize our responsibility to uphold human rights and prevent modern slavery and human trafficking within our operations and value chain. While our business has operated only a few years, we are committed to conducting our activities in accordance with the principles of the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act and international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. We have taken all reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of modern slavery, including ensuring that all direct employees are hired through lawful and transparent processes, paid fairly, and work in safe conditions. We require our suppliers to comply with all applicable labor laws and have begun incorporating anti-slavery clauses into our purchase agreements. While we do not have direct control over upstream suppliers, we prioritize collaborating with vendors who demonstrate ethical labor practices and transparency. We continue to educate our team on the signs of forced labor and maintain an open-door policy for reporting concerns. As our business grows, we aim to strengthen our due diligence procedures and improve visibility into our supply chain. We remain committed to continuous improvement and to playing our part in the global effort to eradicate modern slavery. To support these commitments, we recently undertook a Human Rights risk and impact analysis of our own and primary supplier operations. This was conducted in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and did not flag any serious human rights risks. Some minor risks that were flagged include gender and racial diversity in management positions, access to information, and visibility of the value chain. We have responded strongly to these findings, rewriting our Code of Conduct and making it available in the mother tongue of all our workers to ensure transparency and fairness, we are instituting additional trainings, updating our complaints, mediation, and whistleblowing policies, and increasing expectations of human rights standards on our suppliers. In addition to this, we are in the process of joining the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative, an industry standards organization that expects and checks for high human rights principles throughout our operations, beyond those enshrined in law. We will continue to monitor and improve our processes as our business grows, ensuring that we live up to our company standards of honor, commitment, and courage in this critical area.
Labor Rights Commitment
At American Buffalo Metals, we respect and uphold the rights of all workers and strictly adhere to all applicable labor laws and regulations. Our Code of Conduct (CoC) outlines detailed expectations regarding fair labor practices, non-discrimination, safe working conditions, and legal compliance. We are committed to fostering a workplace and supply chain that values dignity, equality, and ethical treatment for all individuals.
Occupational Health and Safety
At American Buffalo Metals, safety is our highest priority. We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, contractors, and visitors. Because we care deeply about the health and safety of our team, our Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Management System is built to foster a safe working environment and is regularly reviewed to ensure it remains effective and continuously improves. We proactively identify and assess risks to health and safety in every Standard Work Instruction, ensuring that hazard mitigation is embedded into daily operations. All employees are provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and receive comprehensive safety training tailored to their roles and responsibilities. To foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement, we maintain a Safety Suggestion Box where employees can anonymously share ideas or concerns. We also conduct weekly toolbox safety meetings to reinforce safe practices, discuss recent incidents, and promote open dialogue. Our OH&S program includes a robust Emergency Response Plan, which is regularly reviewed and practiced ensuring preparedness for any situation. We track and analyze safety performance using industry-standard metrics such as:
Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR)
American Buffalo Metals – 4.0
Industry Benchmark – 4.2 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). TABLE 1. Incidence rates of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses by industry and case types, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/web/osh/summ1_00.htm)
At American Buffalo Metals, safety is our top priority. From January 2025 through August 2025, our team of 50 full-time employees worked over 69,000 hours without a single lost time incident, resulting in a Severity Rate of 0.00. This is a notable achievement in an industry where furnace operations typically carry a much higher risk profile. We benchmark our safety metrics against industry averages to ensure our performance remains competitive and compliant. Our current Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) is below the national average for our sector, demonstrating the effectiveness of our safety initiatives and strong employee engagement. We believe every incident is preventable and remain dedicated to achieving zero harm through leadership, accountability, and a shared commitment to safety. Each year, we will publish safety statistics on our website to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to safety and transparency.
ABM conducts weekly safety toolbox meetings and management-led safety discussions to maintain a strong safety culture across all levels of the organization. In 2025, we’ve averaged 0.8 near-miss reports per month, and while employee use of the safety suggestion box has been limited, we continue to promote open communication and proactive hazard identification.
Grievance Mechanism
American Buffalo Metals maintains a formal grievance mechanism to ensure that employees, stakeholders, and community members can raise concerns safely and confidentially. Your input matters—submit comments or concerns via our Contact Us page, and we will follow up on all correspondence. Our Whistleblower Hotline (1-256-281-1914, Dial 8) is available for reporting ethical, legal, or workplace-related issues, with the option to remain anonymous. For environmental, quality, or community-related complaints, Kelly Lucas (256-281-1914 ext 111), our Quality, Environmental & Compliance Manager, serves as the primary point of contact and liaison. We are committed to addressing all concerns promptly and respectfully, in alignment with our values and compliance standards.
Material Stewardship
Life Cycle Assessment
For a published version of our Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), please visit https://www.labelingsustainability.com/epd-registry/taylmetepd00450r
Recycling Strategy
At American Buffalo Metals, our recycling process is designed to maximize material recovery and minimize waste. Incoming wheel shipments are carefully sorted to separate conforming materials—such as A356.1 aluminum wheels—from non-conforming materials like chrome, clad, high-magnesium alloys, and steel. Conforming materials are directed into production, where any scrap generated is recycled back into the process. Non-conforming materials are staged separately and sold as scrap by alloy type. This closed-loop approach supports our goal of maintaining over 99% recycled content in our raw materials. We are actively pursuing additional projects to expand our role in the circular economy, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.
Transparency and Reporting
Sustainability Report
ABM Sustainability Report 2.85 v.1.3
Non-Compliance & Liabilities
Disclosure Commitment: American Buffalo Metals is committed to openly sharing all formal environmental enforcement actions and liabilities on our website. We believe transparency is essential to building trust with our stakeholders and community.
- Non-Compliance Disclosure: CAA Enforcement
Facility ID: AIR/AL0000000104900050
Enforcement Case ID: AL000A0000010490005000003
Type: Administrative – Formal
Lead Agency: Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM)
Issued/Settled Date: June 30, 2023
Penalty: $15,000
In June 2023, American Buffalo Metals received a formal administrative enforcement action under the CAA from the State of Alabama due to installing equipment that was not yet operational prior to obtaining the required permit. The matter was resolved the same day with a $15,000 settlement, underscoring our commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.
Payments to Governments
At American Buffalo Metals, we recognize our responsibility as a contributing member of society. We are committed to full compliance with all applicable tax laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we operate. This includes the timely and accurate payment of corporate taxes, as well as fees associated with licenses, permits, and other regulatory requirements. At this time, our only payments to government entities consist of taxes, licensing fees, and fees for state-required training in Alabama.
Anti-Corruption and Ethical Payments: American Buffalo Metals is committed to conducting business with integrity and transparency, including full compliance with all anti-corruption laws and ethical standards related to payments to government entities. We strictly follow our internal Anti-Corruption Policy, which outlines procedures to prevent bribery, improper influence, and unethical financial practices. Oversight of this policy is managed by our Chief Financial Officer, who ensures that all transactions are properly documented and compliant. We believe that ethical conduct is essential to maintaining trust with our stakeholders and the communities we serve.