Major sustainable initiatives and advancements recorded in the global aluminium industry

As the world travels toward a greener future, sustainable initiatives are on the rise. Throughout the last few months, there have been incredible sustainability-aligned advancements in the aluminium industry at large. This article charts such noble green drives spread across the entire aluminium value chain. All of these activities have been brilliantly planned so that the global call for net zero by 2050 can be realised with ease and sophistication.

Norsk Hydro secures renewable energy future with Statkraft partnership

Norsk Hydro has embarked on an extended power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft through its clean energy division, Hydro Energi AS. The contract is valid from May 2024 to December 2027 and includes the delivery of 1.28 TWh. The partnership amplifies Norsk Hydro's influence in the Nordic power market and aligns with its ambitious technology roadmap towards zero emissions by 2050. Norsk Hydro's aluminium production boasts a carbon footprint 75% lower than the global average, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.

EGA collaborates with HILT CRC to decarbonise alumina refining at Al Taweelah

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has partnered with HILT CRC to conduct advanced research on decarbonising alumina refining. HILT CRC is an Australian cooperative research centre that brings together industries, researchers, and the government to develop new technologies for decarbonisation. In alumina refining, HILT focuses on decarbonising digestion and calcination, the two processes that account for maximum gas emissions from refineries. EGA's Al Taweelah alumina refinery is the only refinery in the United Arab Emirates, and joining HILT CRC is one of EGA's steps towards reaching net zero by 2050.

Hydro and Mercedes-Benz test first low-carbon aluminium car parts with 70% less CO2

Mercedes-Benz has partnered with aluminium producer Hydro to create a new low-carbon aluminium that contains at least 25% post-consumer scrap. The tested aluminium has a carbon footprint of only 2.8 kg CO2 per kg of aluminium. Mercedes-Benz is incorporating this more sustainable material into their structural cast components for production this year, and it will reduce the CO2 footprint of aluminium by as much as 70% compared to the European average. Mercedes-Benz aims to integrate aluminium with a 90% lower carbon footprint than the European average into their vehicles by 2030 as part of their Ambition 2039. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is committed to responsibly sourcing aluminium and using materials certified by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative.

Nespresso brings back 'Recycling Rewards programme' for aluminium coffee pods

Nespresso has launched the Recycling Rewards program for the second year to promote its aluminium coffee capsule recycling initiative. Australians can participate in the Recycling Rewards programme by recycling at least 100 aluminium coffee capsules to receive a discount of $5 on coffee or machine purchases during their visit. Participants can also participate in a draw to win one of 10 Nespresso Velosophy bicycles made from recycled capsules. Nespresso capsules are infinitely recyclable and when recycled, the aluminium and coffee grounds both get a second chance at life.

Rio Tinto to build hydrogen plant with Sumitomo for Yarwun alumina refinery aiming to curb carbon emissions

Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Corporation have announced their plan to construct a pilot hydrogen plant in Gladstone, Australia. As part of the A$111.1 million Yarwun Hydrogen Calcination Pilot Demonstration Program, the two companies will also retrofit an alumina refinery to replace natural gas usage with clean hydrogen for the alumina refining process. The main objective of this project is to reduce carbon emissions resulting from alumina processing. If the trial is successful, it will reduce carbon emissions by almost 3,000 tonnes annually while producing about 6,000 tonnes of alumina. The construction of the pilot hydrogen plant will start in 2024 and is expected to commence operation by 2025.

GenHydro partners with EREN Group to streamline green hydrogen use in France and Germany

GenHydro and EREN Groupe have established a strategic alliance to increase the supply and affordability of green hydrogen in France, Germany and other locations. GenHydro will bring its cutting-edge technology to produce green hydrogen from aluminium waste, while EREN Groupe will provide project management and implementation capabilities. The partnership will focus on increasing green hydrogen production and reducing costs to expand the green hydrogen economy and introduce renewable energy products. They aim to target industrial chemicals like ammonia for agriculture and e-fuels for mobility, as well as commercial and consumer-facing sectors. The Managing Partner of EREN Groupe has also invested in GenHydro to speed up the worldwide deployment of their technology by 2024.

Reynaers Group's Sustainable Development Goal gets certified by the UN

Reynaers Aluminium UK, a frontrunner in the aluminium industry, shines brightly as it reiterates its unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship. Garnering recognition from the esteemed United Nations for its pioneering sustainability efforts, Reynaers Group proudly wears the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Pioneer label. In a resounding testament to its commitment, Reynaers Group's comprehensive sustainability strategy, Reynaers Act, has been lauded by the UN. Since 2022, the company has diligently documented its sustainability commitments, particularly focusing on reducing carbon emissions across its operations. This strategic roadmap underscores Reynaers' pledge to embrace sustainable practices both now and into the future.

Amidst the industry's mixed news regarding the Future Homes Standard revisions, Reynaers remains steadfast in its mission to pioneer innovative solutions for sustainable building design. With a keen eye on enhancing thermal efficiency and expanding its repertoire of cradle-to-cradle products, Reynaers is at the forefront of shaping a more sustainable built environment.As Reynaers strides confidently toward the future, its recognition by the United Nations serves as a beacon of hope and validation on a global scale. With an impressive lineup of products, such as the Cradle-to-Cradle certified MasterPatio sliding door and the high-performance MasterLine 8 and 10 systems, Reynaers continues to cater to diverse markets while championing sustainability.

Constellium's Ravenswood plant secures $75 million boost to deploy zero carbon technology

Constellium's Ravenswood facility in West Virginia has been chosen by the US Department of Energy for potential award negotiations for up to $75m in funding under the Industrial Demonstrations Program. The funding will support the implementation of innovative low-to-no emissions technologies, mainly focusing on decarbonising the cast houses, among the plant's most energy-intensive operations. The planned investment will go towards installing state-of-the-art SmartMelt furnaces, which will operate using a variety of fuels, including clean hydrogen. This move is a noticeable step towards achieving a zero-carbon casthouse aligned with sustainability and emission reduction efforts. The project will also improve worker safety and maximise the intake of recycled scrap materials. A new training and wellness centre catering to all employees, alongside an onsite childcare facility, will be built as a portion of the project.

Crown Holdings' beverage can production facilities in Mexico bag ASI Chain of Custody Standard certification

Crown Holdings has been granted the Chain of Custody Standard V2 (2022) Certification by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative for their sustainable beverage cans manufactured at Mexico facilities. The certification was given to Crown's headquarters in Monterrey and facilities, including Crown Ensenada, Crown Guadalajara, Crown Toluca, Crown Latas Monterrey, and Crown Cierres Monterrey, for producing beverage cans, can ends, and ROPP closures. Crown's Mexico facilities collectively produce 6.85 billion beverage cans annually, and the Cierres Monterrey facility produces 6.7 billion can ends and 400 million ROPP closures. The ASI Chain of Custody Standard V2 Certification presents specific criteria for the annulment of a Chain of Custody for primary or secondary material that is produced and traversed through the value chain into diverse downstream sectors. Crown Holdings has received this certification after undergoing a stringent, independent audit by DNV Business Assurance Services UK Ltd.

BALCO to obtain hybrid renewal electricity for its aluminium operations in Chhattisgarh

BALCO and Serentica Renewables India Private (SRIPL) signed a Power Delivery Agreement (PDA) for hybrid renewable electricity supply for BALCO's aluminium operations in Chhattisgarh. BALCO will own 26% of the stock in the SPV, and the project will be financed at a debt-to-equity ratio of 70:30. The project will follow a captive paradigm and a build-own-operate philosophy with the PDA in effect for 25 years. The SPV should begin supplying electricity in 24 months. This move is expected to aid in ensuring a steady supply of electricity for the aluminium industry from renewable energy sources.