Julio Quintero is an experienced business development manager and dedicated engineer for the aluminium industry with a mission to transform the aluminium sector. His focus is achieving zero carbon emissions and maximizing aluminium recovery. With a deep understanding of production processes, he brings technical expertise and a strategic vision. Julio aims to revolutionize the sector, reducing environmental impact while boosting efficiency and profitability. He thrives on challenges, believing in the synergy between sustainability and profit. In trying to create a more sustainable and prosperous industry and planet, he invites industry associates and colleagues to join him in shaping the future of aluminium and achieving zero carbon emissions.

In an interview with AL Circle, Julio Quintero delves deeper into the opportunities in the aluminium industry, aluminium recycling, and this versatile metal's sustainable future.

AL Circle: What, according to you, is the global opportunity related to aluminium recycling?

Julio Quintero: Aluminium recycling presents a significant global opportunity on multiple fronts. As industries like the automotive industry (EVs), construction and buildings, aerospace and aviation, electronics, energy sector and transportation increasingly prioritize sustainability, the demand for recycled aluminium continues to grow. This opportunity extends across several dimensions: resource conservation, energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and circular economy practices. Recycling aluminium requires significantly less energy compared to producing it from raw materials, making it an economically viable and environmentally beneficial option.

AL Circle: What are the potential challenges for aluminium recycling? How can these challenges be overcome?

Julio Quintero: Challenges in aluminium recycling include contamination of recycled materials, fluctuating market prices, and collection logistics. To overcome these challenges, improved sorting, cleaning with scrap treatment systems (Drying and Delacquering) and public awareness campaigns can help reduce contamination. Additionally, establishing long-term contracts with suppliers and exploring innovative collection methods can stabilize market prices and logistics.

AL Circle: Do you think technology plays a role in aluminium recycling? If yes, how?

Julio Quintero: Technology plays a crucial role in aluminium recycling. Advanced sorting technologies, such as automated optical sorting and eddy current separators, enable efficient aluminium separation from other materials. Also, scrap treatment systems like dryers and delacquering in conjunction with high melting efficiency furnaces (Vortex Melter) help to increase aluminium recoveries (up to 98% melting efficiency) and also, incorporating closed-loop energy recovery systems not only enhances the efficiency of fume treatment but also contributes to substantial reductions in energy consumption and concurrent decreases in CO2 emissions within the processes. Furthermore, digital platforms can optimize recycling supply chains, ensuring seamless coordination and traceability.

AL Circle: Can you please let our readers know a bit more about Hormesa and its activities?

Julio Quintero: Hormesa is a leading company in the field of recycling processing technology for the aluminium industry. Our company specializes in designing and manufacturing equipment and solutions for the aluminium melting, casting, and recycling processes. With a reputation for innovation and high-quality solutions, Hormesa provides furnaces, equipment, and engineering services that contribute to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of aluminium production.

Together with our partners and customers, we seek the reinvention of the Aluminum recycling industry by focusing on a greener path and aiming at the cleanest melting with high recovery performance that helps reduce the carbon footprint.

AL Circle: How is Hormesa playing its role in driving sustainability in the aluminium industry?

Julio Quintero: Hormesa plays a pivotal role in driving sustainability in the aluminium industry through its advanced technologies. By developing efficient and environmentally friendly equipment, Hormesa helps aluminium producers optimize energy consumption and reduce emissions. Our focus on innovation ensures that aluminium recycling processes become more resource-efficient and carbon-neutral, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Hormesa's commitment to research and development contributes to the industry's transition towards greener practices, positively impacting both environmental conservation and economic viability.