Titanium is a lightweight metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, making it a key component in aerospace, medical devices, and defense industries. Titanium alloys are widely used, particularly in aircraft and industrial equipment, due to their mechanical and chemical properties, including resistance to cryogenic temperatures and electrochemical corrosion.

Titanium is the ninth-most abundant element in Earth’s crust, primarily found in the minerals rutile and ilmenite. Major reserves are concentrated in Australia, South Africa, Canada, Norway, and Ukraine. Ilmenite, with its composition of 40-65% TiO2, accounts for over 90% of global titanium mineral production.

Titanium production is energy-intensive and involves transforming raw minerals into a usable form through methods like the Kroll process. This process includes chlorination, reduction with magnesium, and vacuum distillation. The Kroll process has been dominant for over 70 years, although alternative methods like the Hunter and Armstrong processes are being researched.

Titanium production demands significant energy, contributing to a large carbon footprint. The Kroll process, in particular, is known for its energy intensity and related CO2 emissions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is vital to understanding and reducing the environmental impacts of Titanium production, from ore extraction to final product usage.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) helps Titanium producers identify environmental hotspots and create strategies for decarbonisation, making the supply chain more sustainable. For end-users, such as in the aerospace industry, LCA enables informed decision-making regarding material procurement and enhances product sustainability.