Beyond aluminium smelting capacity, we propose to incentivise emissions cuts to support wider decarbonisation: Ed Boyd, Mission Possible Partnership
As the European Council seeks political alignment on the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), the debate over how to accelerate aluminium decarbonisation in bringing emissions accounting and demand for low-carbon metal into focus. Against the backdrop of Mission Possible Partnership’s (MPP) open letter, AL Circle speaks with Ed Boyd, MPP’s Global Policy Lead, about the policies needed to support the European aluminium industry’s transition. Boyd argues that effective decarbonisation must account for emissions from alumina refining and track Scope 2 emissions associated with purchased electricity. On mandatory green procurement and lead-market thresholds of at least 50 per cent for aluminium, he says producers are ready to supply low-carbon metal at scale and considers the proposed threshold...
EU-India FTA, CBAM and carbon costs: Can Indian aluminium crack the European market?
A former Deputy Secretary General of the European Parliament and Director of the EPP Group, Paolo Licandro, has extensive experience in European policymaking, international relations, industry, energy and EU affairs. He is currently the Founder and CEO of eEuropa Belgium and Editor of eEuropa.Blog. He has worked with European prime ministers, ministers and EU commissioners and has held senior roles covering EU enlargement, Mediterranean and Middle East relations, and industry, research and energy. A nuclear engineer, he holds a master’s degree from Politecnico di Milano and has worked with ENI, ARS-Pragma and the EU Joint Research Centre. In this interview, Paolo Licandro shares his perspective on EU–India aluminium trade, CBAM and the opportunities for Indian producers in Europe. AL...
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AL Circle x TOMRA Recycling: Advancing aluminium recycling through intelligent, sensor-based sorting technology
Frank van de Winkel is Business Development Manager at TOMRA Recycling’s Metals sorting division. With a career starting in 2005 at CommoDaS, where he progressed from applications development engineer to test-centre manager, he transitioned into technical sales support after TOMRA acquired the company. He later took charge of sales in North America and Australia and now applies his extensive expertise in metals recycling to drive new markets, segments and applications globally. In the e‑Magazine “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry (Part II) ”, Frank van de Winkel highlights TOMRA’s pivotal role in enhancing metals sorting efficiency and sustainability, a key focus as the aluminium sector seeks greener, more digitised processing solutions. AL Circle: How have...
AL Circle x Industrial Physics: Safeguarding aluminium packaging quality in a circular economy
Stefan Welker brings over 18 years of dedicated experience in the packaging industry, with a strong focus on inspection systems. His expertise spans the entire process from designing and specifying systems to developing advanced measurement and image processing solutions. This conversation offers a deep dive into how Industrial Physics is driving quality assurance and innovation in the aluminium packaging value chain, particularly as the world pivots toward sustainability and circularity. As sustainability gains momentum and recycled aluminium becomes more prevalent (and often more variable in quality), precise testing becomes essential. He further provided overview about how Industrial Physics helps detect faults early, reduce waste, and prevent costly recalls all while supporting...
“This new 4.0 version introduces advanced communication capabilities, real-time monitoring, and comprehensive data reporting, including sensor health and process-specific information for each ingot.” Loic Fracheboud, Gap. Engineering SA.
Loic Fracheboud is an Artificial Intelligence and Embedded Systems Engineer with deep expertise in the aluminium production sector. With hands-on experience working alongside operators and process managers, he understands the industrial environment from the ground up. Leveraging his dual academic background, Loic develops cutting-edge solutions that merge AI with embedded systems to drive automation, enhance reliability and support smart manufacturing across the value chain. In the e-Magazine " Advanced Industrial Technologies in the ALuminium Industry (Part II) ", Loic Fracheboud discusses how integrated systems like the GLA and GLS are advancing aluminium casting through Industry 4.0 technologies, supporting real-time monitoring, process optimisation and rapid maintenance in...
“FIMI’s patented multiroll degreasing system, especially for ultra-thin materials, ensures the mechanical properties of the strip remain intact.” - Timothy Fiumana, FIMIGroup
Timothy Fiumana, Marketing Manager at FIMIGroup since 2011, plays a vital role in steering the company’s global communication and brand strategy. Born in Como, Italy, the seasoned professional brings a strong background in marketing to promote FIMIGroup’s innovation-driven identity across international markets. His leadership has significantly contributed to expanding the company’s presence through sustainable solutions and digital transformation. In the e-Magazine “ Advanced Industrial Technologies in the ALuminium Industry (Part II) ”, Timothy Fiumana discusses how FIMIGroup addresses the aluminium industry’s demand for eco-friendly surface treatments, digitalised plant performance and energy-efficient technologies. AL Circle: The aluminium industry increasingly demands eco-friendly and...
Part 3 – “For supersonic aircraft operating at speeds similar to the X-59 (Mach 1.4-1.8), aluminium alloys will likely remain the primary material for large sections of the airframe,” Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at Federal Aviation Administration
Step into the final leg of our enlightening journey with Kalea Texeira, where the spotlight turns once more to aluminium but not as the old guard of aerospace materials. Instead, as Texeira compellingly reveals, aluminium re-emerges from the X-59 program as a vital force shaping the future of flight. Far from being left behind in the age of advanced composites and high-temperature alloys, aluminium proves it still has plenty of lift. Read the full interview below for her complete insights. Missed the first two parts? Catch up on Part 1 & Part 2 by clicking the link here! AL Circle: Do the technologies developed for the X-59 have commercial or military crossover potential, particularly in future green aviation platforms? Kalea Texeira: The technologies developed and validated through...
“We have diversified into biomass pellets and green fuel to make our aluminium recycling process more sustainable. Our goal is to go completely green by the end of this year.” – Sudarshan Bagaria, CEO, Bagaria Aluminium Alloys Pvt. Ltd.
AL Circle: Could you please brief us about your journey in producing 1,100 tonnes of secondary aluminium per month at your facility? Sudarshan Bagaria: We started this journey in 2016, when we installed an aluminium plant and it started functioning in June 2017. At that time, we had never imagined that we would reach 1,100 tonnes per month. Starting from a small facility with only one furnace, we produced 100 tonnes in our first month. And thereafter, the journey continued because the automotive sector as well as the electrical sector were expanding. It reaches eight to 10 per cent minimum every year. Some companies are going by 20 per cent, 25 per cent also. This helped us create avenues with only one thing in mind: our quality. We achieved 1100 tonnes solely due to our quality, which we...
Part 2 - “The X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft is specifically designed to address the most significant environmental noise pollution challenge associated with supersonic flight: the sonic boom,” Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at Federal Aviation Administration
Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at the Federal Aviation Administration. In this segment, Kalea dives deeper into NASA’s groundbreaking X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft, offering an inside look at how its innovative design and material choices help minimize the disruptive sonic booms that plagued earlier supersonic jets like the Concorde and F-18. She also underscores the essential role of aluminium in modern aircraft construction highlighting how this lightweight, high-performance material remains key to pushing the boundaries of aerospace innovation. AL Circle: What critical insights were gained from the integration tests using the real aircraft, and how did they shape further refinements? Kalea Texeira : The...
“By utilising our custom SCS4.0 software (Industry 4.0), there will be a significant reduction in unplanned downtime (measured in hours or percentage).” - Granco Clark
Granco Clark is a leading manufacturer of automated equipment for aluminium extrusion operations, offering innovative solutions that enhance production efficiency and reduce downtime. With a strong focus on engineering excellence, the company designs and builds advanced handling systems, heating equipment, pullers and saws tailored to the needs of aluminium extruders worldwide. Their turnkey systems are trusted by top-tier producers for delivering high performance and reliability. Granco Clark's commitment to innovation and customer service sets them apart in the aluminium industry. They shared insights on their automation technologies and industry approach in our latest e-Magazine " Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry (Part II) ". AL Circle: What are the next major...
“At the beginning of 2025, we installed the first electrically heated billet heater of the EcoJet type at an extrusion plant.”- Klaus Schmitz, Vice President Sales, Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium and Copper, OTTO JUNKER GMBH
Klaus Schmitz is the Vice President of Sales for Thermoprocessing Plants for Aluminium and Copper at OTTO JUNKER GmbH. With deep expertise in thermal processing technologies, he plays a key role in driving innovation and sustainability within the aluminium industry. In Advanced Industrial Technologies in the Aluminium Industry (Part II) , Mr. Schmitz shares valuable insights on electrification, digitalisation and carbon reduction strategies. His leadership continues to support global advancements in energy-efficient furnace solutions. Known for his strategic foresight, he advocates for practical collaboration between technology providers and industry operators. AL Circle: How successful have you been over the past year in transforming aluminium production and processing efficiency in...
Part 1 - “Aluminum plays a pivotal role in both the structural integrity and aerodynamic efficiency of NASA’s X-59 QueSST aircraft,” Kalea Texeira, National Training Program Manager at Federal Aviation Administration
In conversation with Kalea Texeira, who explained about NASA’s X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft. In this interview she highlighted how it used materials and shaped its airframe to minimise sonic booms something earlier aircraft like the Concorde and F-18 never addressed. She also pointed out the importance of aluminium for aircraft construction. To know more of her insights, read the full interview below: Al Circle: What distinguishes the X-59's airframe and materials from earlier supersonic aircraft like Concorde or the F-18? Kalea Texeira: The X-59 Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) aircraft represents a significant leap in supersonic aircraft design, particularly in its approach to airframe and material selection, distinguishing it markedly from predecessors like the...
“Buzzterms such as cybersecurity, big data, IT-OT convergence, and cloud platforms are everywhere, yet it all still begins on Level 0— the field sensors— and rises through the PLC, DCS, HMI, SCADA).” Yannick Beaule, Executive - CRO, Rupali Kaushik NOVIMEQ by EPIQ Machinery
Yannick Beaulé, Chief Revenue Officer at EPIQ Machinery since August 2021, brought extensive experience in sales, operations and general management within the heavy industrial equipment sector. His leadership spans multi-site operations, service centre expansion, product and market development and high-level client negotiations. Rupali Kaushik leads Services and Marketing at NOVIMEQ Automation by EPIQ, driving global marketing and business development in industrial automation services. With a career starting in 2006, she offers a strong blend of engineering, marketing, and entrepreneurial expertise. Her cross-industry experience enables her to deliver innovative, customer-centric automation solutions. Both leaders contributed significantly to EPIQ’s growth and industry impact and shared...
“We are extremely concerned by the sharp rise in scrap outflows driven by the fact that aluminium scrap is not subject to the same tariffs as other aluminium products, which are now subject to 50 per cent,” Kelly Roegies, Senior Communications Manager of the European Association
The AL Circle Team recently interviewed Kelly Roegies, Senior Communications Manager of the European Association, wherein she provided an overview of the current landscape of the European aluminium industry, highlighting the effects of US tariffs. In addition, she discussed the potential aluminium scrap crisis due to the US tariff exemptions on scrap imports, while also offering solutions to curb excessive outflow from the continent. According to her, the growing fear of losing scrap from Europe is justified. To know more of her insights and opinion, read the full interview below: AL Circle: Could you provide an overview of the current state of the European aluminium industry, particularly with regard to production levels, market demand, and overall consumption? Additionally, how have the...
“We are optimising portfolio and cutting costs in response to prolonged downstream market weakness,” Anders Vindegg, Norsk Hydro
Over the past few months, a series of announcements from Norsk Hydro may have given the impression of a brand in retreat. Hiring freezes, production curbs, and plant closures painted a picture of contraction. Yet, at the same time, the company was rolling out plans for fresh investments and capacity expansions. If the intent was restraint, why pursue growth? And what, ultimately, is Hydro’s long game? To get a clearer understanding, we conversed with Anders Vindegg, Head of Media Relations at Norsk Hydro. With patience and clarity, he addressed our questions in detail. Here’s what we have learned: AL Circle: Over the past six months, Norsk Hydro has implemented a temporary hiring freeze, announced plant closures, and introduced curbs in production. Could you walk us through the rationale...
“In aluminium extrusion, maintaining consistent thermal stability is essential to avoid product defects, de-stress, and increased rejection rates,” Soumo Roy, Director of Business Development at Tempcon
Soumo Roy is the Director of Business Development at Tempcon, where he leads global marketing initiatives and oversees end-to-end execution of industrial process cooling projects. An electrical engineer by qualification, he brings over 20 years of industry experience in delivering advanced cooling solutions for sectors such as steel, power, and mining. Soumo has played a pivotal role in expanding Tempcon’s international presence by driving exports and ensuring the delivery of custom-engineered systems designed around each client's specific process, load, and operational requirements. His strategic approach and technical insight continue to position Tempcon as a trusted name in the process cooling industry across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. AL Circle: Congratulations on the...
“Aluminium FRPs are much lighter than traditional materials like steel. This reduction in weight translates to lighter rail vehicles, which can lead to several operational benefits,” L C Trivedi, Railway expert
In this interview published in AL Circle’s e-Magazine " World of ALuminium Flat Rolled Products ", railway expert L. C. Trivedi has highlighted the multiple advantages of using aluminium flat rolled products (FRPs) in the railway sector over traditional materials like steel and reinforced concrete. He explained that aluminium FRPs are much lighter, which helps reduce the weight of rail vehicles, leading to better fuel efficiency and lower energy consumption. Their excellent resistance to corrosion ensures longer-lasting components with less need for maintenance, thereby cutting costs and downtime. Trivedi also pointed out that aluminium's high strength-to-weight ratio allows it to bear heavy loads while still remaining lightweight. AL Circle: What are the key performance benefits of using...
“Taking weight out of products is a key driver and this is something that aluminium can do, with our R&D teams working tirelessly with existing and new customers to look at where we can introduce our material into their products,” Adam Hunter, Deputy General Manager, Bridgnorth Aluminium
In this interview, Adam Hunter, the Deputy General Manager at Bridgnorth Aluminium has outlined the company’s key sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental footprint. He explained that the company already remelts all of its own production scrap, ensuring that aluminium waste from their processes is fully recycled and reused. In an interview for the e-Magazine " World of ALuminium Flat Rolled Products " , Adam Hunter has also highlighted the company’s plan to further increase the use of recycled aluminium by incorporating more scrap material into their production. Additionally, the company captures excess heat from its casthouse operations and repurposes it for other parts of the facility, improving overall energy efficiency. Bridgnorth Aluminium also partners with a...
“Our global position enables us to supply a vast range of industries, including the LNG tanks industry, food packaging machines, firefighting trucks, cryogenic tanks, windmills, land army vehicles…” Vincenzo ZINNI, Niche Fusina Rolled Products S.r.L.
Vincenzo Zinni, CEO of Fusina since 2022, is steering the company toward market leadership through strategic investments and production enhancements. With a strong background in metal trading, he is focused on driving excellence, quality and reliability across key sectors such as marine, transport, silos and defence. In an exclusive interview for e-Magazine " World of Aluminium Flat Rolled Products ", Vincenzo shared his thoughts on current challenges and technologies bringing changes in the FRP sector globally. AL Circle: How do you foresee the market for aluminium flat-rolled products evolving over the next five years? What key market trends are you monitoring, and how does Niche Fusina plan to adapt to these changes? Vincenzo ZINNI: Aluminium flat-rolled products will increase in...
“Our Vortex 2.0 furnaces are always bespoke and designed to consider individual project requirements like the size of the load, production output, process parameters requirements like the temperature profile, client plant layout, etc.” Piotr Skarbiński, SECO/WARWICK
Piotr Skarbinski is the Vice President of the Controlled Atmosphere Brazing (CAB) and Aluminium Process business segment at SECO/WARWICK S.A., overseeing advanced thermal processing solutions for the aluminium flat-rolled product industry. With decades of experience, he plays a key role in driving innovation and global leadership in CAB and aluminium heat treatment technologies. In an interview for the e-Magazine " World of ALuminium Flat Rolled Products ", Skarbinski sheds light upon innovative technological advancement posing with real-time benefits in the aluminium FRP sector. AL Circle: What distinguishes SECO/WARWICK’s heat treatment systems from its aluminium processing industry competitors? Piotr Skarbinski: A few years ago, we came to the conclusion that it was possible to develop...
