First in Asia: Marubeni completes sales of Rio Tinto’s RenewAl™ to Fujisash Group

Marubeni has finalised the sale of Rio Tinto's low-carbon aluminium billets to Fuji Light Metal and FUJISASH Co., Ltd. (collectively known as the "Fujisash Group") as part of a strategic collaboration with the global mining group Rio Tinto. This marks the first sale of RenewAl™ low-carbon aluminium billets in Asia, enhancing environmental values and contributing to sustainable supply chains.

Marubeni is committed to contributing to a sustainable future by supplying responsible aluminium to diverse clients and supporting the decarbonisation of the entire supply chain. The Fujisash Group is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions throughout its supply chain and manufacturing processes.

About the collaboration

This collaboration builds on Marubeni's strong, long-standing business relationship with the Fujisash Group, which will use the billets in its buildings' aluminium sashes and curtain walls. The transaction involves Rio Tinto's RenewAl™ aluminium billets, produced at the renewably powered New Zealand Aluminum Smelters (NZAS), being supplied to the Fujisash Group.

Furthermore, Rio Tinto's digital traceability platform, START™, will provide the Fujisash Group with access to up to 14 ESG-related data points, including carbon footprint, safety performance, diversity statistics, and provenance information. This will significantly enhance supply chain transparency and ensure responsible sourcing practices, a key priority for the Fujisash Group.

Importance of the collaboration

Since Marubeni and Rio Tinto announced their strategic collaboration agreement, there has been a noticeable increase in demand for low-carbon aluminium and ESG-related information across various industries' value chains. Marubeni aims to accelerate cross-industry collaboration among producers, trading companies, and building materials manufacturers to broaden the applications of low-carbon aluminium, develop new products, and undertake joint traceability initiatives, all to promote sustainable growth.

Marubeni's Mid-Term Management Strategy, GC2024, identifies green strategy as a core component for enhancing corporate value. Within this strategy, the aluminium-related business is a key focus to facilitate the transition to a decarbonised society.