Dr. Ing. Catalina Fernandez the Director of CINDAL (Aludium R&D Centre) is at the forefront of innovation in aluminium-rolled products (FRPs) and plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability initiatives at Aludium. Her background in metallurgy and materials science, along with her passion for environmental stewardship, has allowed her to combine technical expertise with a vision for a greener future for the aluminium industry.  While innovation has always been at the heart of her work, she emphasized that sustainability now drives their strategy. A key milestone in this direction is the 37 per cent reduction in carbon emissions since 2019, achieved through targeted investments in the company’s casthouse.

Here is an excerpt of his interview with us.

AL Circle: Could you begin by giving us an overview of your experience and how it shapes your work at Aludium? Dr Catalina Fernandez:

Dr Catalina Fernandez: Thank you! I’ve been fortunate to work in the aluminium industry for more than 30 years, starting as a materials scientist and gradually transitioning into leadership roles. My work at CINDAL allows me to oversee the research and development of aluminium-rolled products, working closely with our customers and ensuring that we’re creating materials that meet the evolving needs of various industries. The focus has always been on innovation, but sustainability has become the driving force behind our efforts. The recyclability of aluminium and our commitment to reducing carbon emissions are central to our strategy at Aludium, where we have reduced 37 % emissions compared to 2019 after the investments in our casthouse.

AL Circle: Let’s discuss that focus on sustainability. Aluminium is often lauded for its recyclability, but could you explain how it specifically affects the production of rolled products?

Dr Catalina Fernandez: One of aluminium’s most significant advantages is its infinite recyclability, which makes it ideal for enhancing the circular economy. In the production of rolled products, we use both primary aluminium and recycled material. The beauty of this process is that using recycled aluminium requires only about 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminium from bauxite. This translates to a massive reduction in carbon emissions, making it a truly sustainable material and aligning with customer expectations for greener solutions, particularly in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries.

AL Circle: The cosmetics sector benefits from aluminium’s versatility. How do aluminium rolled products perform in other markets, like automotive, construction, food can and closures?

Dr Catalina Fernandez: The automotive industry is one of the largest consumers of aluminium-rolled products. Aluminium’s lightweight is crucial for reducing the overall weight of vehicles, which helps improve energy efficiency and range without disregarding its strength and corrosion resistance. In construction, aluminium is prized for its durability and versatility: roofing and cladding to window frames and curtain walls. Aluminium rolled products offer long-term corrosion resistance and are therefore ideal for external applications. Additionally, aluminium’s sunlight reflectivity can contribute to a building’s energy efficiency, reducing cooling costs during the summer months. Its easy recyclability is key for environmentally conscious construction projects.

To read the full interview, click here