Canadian International Aluminium Conference (CIAC) culminated with several interesting conclusions and reflection on aluminium applications

At the culmination of the first Canadian International Aluminium Conference (CIAC), the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC) offered several conclusions and reflections by some of the world’s experts during several panel discussions held Tuesday and Wednesday in Montreal.

The participants confirmed that the Quebec aluminium industry remained a global leader notably due to its productivity and efficiency, all the while stressing that its position is threatened by increased international competition. To continue to take full advantage of the opportunities created by the need for new products and in innovative technologies in a global marketplace in full expansion, Quebec industry must continue to develop its catalogue of finished products and pursue its advanced research and development activities. Meanwhile, the war of nerves continues to establish itself at the level of production costs and in particular those for energy.

“We have noted a strong expansion in the demand for aluminium in North America, fed primarily by the automotive sector. If the industry does not want to widen the deficit of the availability of North American-produced aluminium, then it must increase its production capacity and expand to ensure this proper growth,” said Jesus Villegas, President of Harbor Aluminium Intelligence.

“In effect, we must increase our production capacity by some five million tonnes annually in the face of new global opportunities and to meet the increasing demand for innovative and sustainable products. The place of our industry should be comforted by the future national strategy of the aluminium industry that the Quebec government plans to establish rapidly,” added Jean Simard, President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC).

Global economic and trade agreement with the European Union
During his address, Pierre Marc Johnson, former Quebec Premier and chief negotiator for the government of Quebec for the Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, mentioned some new business opportunities that will be available for the industry.

Adapting to climate change
A part of the discussion turned toward the reduction of carbon emissions in materials processing. Liza Leclerc, a specialist in adapting to climate change for the Ouranos consortium and Jean-Christophe Amado, Director of sustainable Development, Deloitte, recalled that climate change is a reality to consider all throughout the production chain, from bauxite mines to final consumption and this in each region of the world. They emphasized that the industry must continue to adapt and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Innovative aluminium applications
The conference also studied examples of innovation in the processing and applications of aluminium for which the Quebec industry has distinguished itself. They include infrastructures, roadway transportation, public transit and private transport, or even in aerospace, several sectors that come to depend on innovations based on the usage of aluminium.