CRU World Aluminium Conference 2023 discusses holistic ways to address sustainability challenges in the industry

The 28th CRU World Aluminium Conference 2023, co-hosted by ASI and IAI, which took place on 16-18th May 2023, was co-hosted by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) and the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). During the discussion, the aluminium industry was noted for its need to reduce emissions quickly and achieve environmental and climate goals. Recognising that 2030 is rapidly approaching, concrete initiatives are required to fulfil global climate and environmental commitments. Adopting digitalisation may help enable development, but it is necessary to emphasise that data access alone is inadequate.

In a session moderated by ASI CEO Dr Fiona Solomon, speakers from the aluminium value chain and civil society leaders explored how it is critical to address sustainability challenges comprehensively. The audience was challenged to evaluate the interaction between climatic resilience, circularity, human rights, and good environmental aims. This corresponds with the principles listed in the ASI Strategy, emphasising the importance of industry-wide activities.

The route to circularity in the aluminium sector, in particular, requires coordination among all stakeholders. This aim cannot be achieved merely by individual enterprises; it must be integrated from product design through manufacture, usage, and recycling while adhering to material stewardship standards. It must address all material flows now considered garbage and product lifecycles other than recycling.

The global aluminium sector confronts substantial difficulty meeting the 1.5°C climate target since its overall emissions continue to climb despite lowering emissions intensity. With aluminium consumption expected to increase by 80 per cent by 2050, the sector's yearly emissions of approximately 1.2 billion tonnes emphasise the critical need for action. Climate change, however, should not be seen as a single component of the industry's sustainability issues.

The aluminium industry is an essential part of a sustainable economy, but as a carbon-intensive business, it must proactively handle its sectoral carbon footprint. While the availability of harmonised and comparable data provides a platform for monitoring progress, the ultimate goal is to make concrete efforts towards minimising consequences. Rapid progress and action are required as the aluminium sector grapples with rising sustainability problems. Collaboration, new ideas, and a dedication to sustainability objectives will be critical in moving the industry forward.