Power cost of EUR 600 vs EUR 1,800 per tonne: How electricity prices are reshaping Europe’s aluminium industry (Part 1)
How much does it really cost to produce aluminium in Europe, and can the region’s smelters compete with producers in the US and China? Beyond electricity prices, the economics of primary and recycled aluminium, industrial electrification and changing automotive demand are shaping the future of Europe’s aluminium industry. In this exclusive interview with AL Circle, Dr Martin Iffert, Founder and CEO of Martin Iffert Consulting, examines these challenges, discussing smelter economics, recycling competitiveness and the outlook for Europe’s 2040 electrification vision. He also shares his views on Germany’s production landscape and the investments needed to improve productivity and strengthen the aluminium value chain. Dr Iffert brings over 30 years of industry experience. He served as CEO of...
Inside Novelis’ 2030 strategy: Aligning scrap supply, recycling investment and new opportunities in aluminium markets
The AL Circle team caught up with Michael Hahne, Vice President Commercial, Novelis Europe, for a conversation at ALUMINIUM 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. With experience across the company’s automotive and beverage can businesses, Hahne brings a commercial perspective to the evolving relationship between aluminium, customer needs and circularity. In this exclusive interview, Hahne explains why aluminium’s next growth chapter will depend on more than expanding production. Securing scrap, closing material loops and turning metallurgical expertise into new customer solutions are becoming central to the industry’s competitiveness. As automotive lightweighting, battery applications and circularity reshape demand, he discusses the strategies behind Novelis’ global footprint and the challenges of...
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“Aluminium billets, primarily used in construction and transportation, are highly sought-after value-added products,” Fabio Martins, CEO – Billets, Vedanta Aluminium
Fábio Martins is the CEO of Billets at Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer and a key player in the global metals sector. With over 25 years of experience in operations, sales, and strategic management across the aluminium value chain, Fábio brings deep industry expertise and a proven track record of operational excellence, business turnaround, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining Vedanta Aluminium, Fábio held several senior leadership roles at Alcoa, where he was most recently Operations Director for the Poços de Caldas site in Brazil. He was instrumental in leading transformative projects, including a $60 million transition to dry residue management and a $100 million impoundment de-characterisation initiative, both of which were delivered in close coordination...
Beyond China, India and the Middle East are ready to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of global primary aluminium production: Éloïse Harvey, CEO of EPIQ Machinery
Éloïse Harvey, the dynamic CEO of EPIQ Machinery, has communicated with AL Circle for the seventh edition of its flagship annual digital magazine, ‘ LeaderSpeak 2025 ’ . Known for its curated perspectives from across the aluminium value chain, this year’s edition continues the tradition of bringing together influential voices to guide readers, be they decision-makers or emerging entrepreneurs, towards more informed and inspired choices. In her conversation, Harvey delves into how she and her team have consistently pushed boundaries by integrating cutting-edge technologies into EPIQ’s equipment portfolio. With her rich industry experience and forward-looking approach, Harvey offers valuable insights that could resonate with anyone navigating the evolving landscape of aluminium...
"We stay committed to achieving net-zero emissions in aluminium production by 2050 or earlier," Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President, Hydro Aluminium Metal
In an insightful conversation with Hanne Simensen, Executive Vice President, Hydro Aluminium Metal, published in AL Circle's latest e-Magazine ' LeaderSpeak 2025 '. In a candid discussion, Ms Simensen offered a comprehensive perspective on the evolving aluminium landscape, emphasising the impact of global economic trends, decarbonisation policies, and shifting supply chain dynamics on the industry and Hydro's operations. Simensen underscored aluminium's growing significance as a critical material in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges while highlighting Hydro's active role in forging strategic partnerships, particularly in pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions in aluminium production by 2050 or earlier. She also took us through the transformative role of technology,...
“The global aluminium smelting market is expected to reach $131.3 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of approximately 5.3%,” Bruce Roger Wilson, Director, Aluminium Division - REEL International
Here's an excerpt of an interview with REEL from our flagship e-Magazine ' LeaderSpeak 2025 ', an annual publication designed and tailored to highlight the market prospect for the year under review. In this interview, Bruce Roger Wilson, Director of Aluminium Division – REEL International, underscored the promising trajectory of global aluminium smelting, citing a growth at a 5.3 per cent CAGR. Wilson expressed confidence in the sector's momentum and REEL's preparedness to meet this rising aluminium demand, offering end-to-end solutions for the entire value chain, including advanced pot room equipment to cutting-edge control systems. He also conveyed a positive market outlook for primary aluminium production, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight materials in automotive,...
“Minimalism and openness are key design trends on every customer’s checklist,” Ajay Balakrishna, Founder and CEO of Schon Doorways
Ajay Balakrishna, Founder and CEO of Schon Doorways, is an engineer by training, a passionate designer at heart and an entrepreneur by choice. With a deep-rooted passion for design innovation and engineering excellence, Ajay brings over a decade of experience in the architectural and building materials industry. In a chat with AL Circle, the business persona divulges about his inspiration, innovation and beyond. AL Circle: Let’s start by asking what inspired you to venture into the world of premium aluminium doors and windows and how the idea for Schon Doorways first came to life. Was there a particular gap in the market that caught your attention? Ajay Balakrishna: We observed that there is a gap in the Indian market, and that is precisely what became our inspiration for Schon Doorways....
“Recycled aluminium is not available in large volumes. Hence, virgin aluminium will be in demand, especially in a country like India, where, today, scrap has not reached that level of volume,” Vikram Handa, Managing Director, Epsilon Carbon Pvt Ltd
Vikram Handa established Epsilon Group in 2010, a prominent industrial conglomerate dedicated to advancing the global carbon black and battery materials sector. With a mission to decarbonise economies and foster cleaner technologies, the group has distinguished itself through its subsidiaries, Epsilon Carbon and Epsilon Advanced Materials. Under his stewardship, a state-of-the-art, fully integrated 320,000 TPA specialty carbon plant was inaugurated in 2017 in Bellary, Karnataka. The company later expanded into the Carbon Black segment, launching operations with a 115,000 TPA production capacity. This Integrated Carbon Complex boasts a 10 per cent lower carbon footprint than its global counterparts and operates as a zero water discharge facility. With aggressive expansion plans, Epsilon...
"I foresee huge growth for the platform economy, open talent and freelancing as more companies, organisations and individuals demand freedom, flexibility and choice as to when, where and how they work," Glen Hodgson, Founder and CEO of Free Trade Europa
Free Trade Europa is a think tank delving into the development of short, easily digestible thought pieces on key dossiers and acts as a commentator on European policy developments. The entity also prepares conferences, briefings and seminars relevant concerns. Glen Hodgson, Founder and CEO of Free Trade Europa, with over twenty-five years of experience in communications, public affairs, and lobbying, focuses on promoting free trade, liberalisation, and the rule of law within the European Union and internationally. Glen was previously responsible for the Nordics, Baltics and Central & Eastern Europe within an international communications agency. Prior to this, he worked for European institutions as well as governments, blue-chip international companies, startups and NGOs as a lobbyist,...
AL Circle x CETIZION Verifica: Internet of Things is indeed a strong pillar of sustainability and ESG initiatives
AL Circle presents an enriching conversation with Ganga C Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of CETIZION Verifica Pvt Ltd, wherein he shares his personal views on the sustainability practices of the Indian and global aluminium industry. According to Mr Sharma, India is leading by example, and the world is closely watching its activities and following its footsteps. He says IoT plays a critical role in sustainability and ESG initiatives, and also offers an exciting outlook on CBAM, describing it as a balance of risk and opportunities, depending on how the companies adapt to the new regulation. To know more of his unique and valuable insights, read the full interview. AL Circle: Could you please provide a brief overview of your company and the services you offer? Ganga C Sharma: Cetizion...
“We recognise that exemptions are not easily granted. Despite the challenges, it remains crucial to maintain open communication with US counterparts,” Helin Öcal & Djibril René from European Aluminium
Like us, you may also be concerned about the impact of the US aluminium and steel tariffs on cross-border trade dynamics. With numerous questions and uncertainties in mind, we reached out to Helin Öcal, Trade Manager, and Djibril René, Director of Industry & Market Intelligence at European Aluminium. They were patient in explaining the potential consequences of the 25 per cent tariffs while reassuring us that talks and negotiations would continue and solutions would likely emerge, as the aluminium industry cannot function without international supply chains. They also highlighted that new trade flow patterns would surface if the tariffs persist. It is now crucial to observe how governments and companies choose to respond. Stay tuned to the full interview with Ms Öcal and Mr Djibril René...
"Undoubtedly, the construction of a company like GALTCO will be one of the most important chapters in Colombia's industrial history,” Andrés Rojas, Country Manager at GALTCO
Andrés Rojas a mechanical engineer with over 30 years of international experience in project management, specialising in risk assessment, structuring, logistics, production, and industrial assembly. Currently leading the development of the GALTCO project, he brings strong leadership, strategic planning, and team management expertise. His skill set includes effective negotiation, conflict resolution, and a results-driven approach to business objectives. AL Circle: Can you briefly summarise the GALTCO Colombia project and its significance to Colombia's sustainable development goals? Andrés Rojas: Colombia is a country that has historically been highly dependent on its exports of oil, coal, and agricultural products, necessitating the implementation of economic diversification programs. Over...
Each tonne of aluminium manufactured through recycling results in saving of 5-6 tonnes of bauxite, 1-1.5 tonnes of limestone, 20-25 tonnes of water and ~14000 kwh of energy: Mohan Agarwal, MD, CMR Green Technologies
Mohan Agarwal, Managing Director, founded CMR Green Technologies in 2006 with a single plant. Today, the company has grown to 12 plants across India. CMR is a pioneer in the industry to scale up, and over the past few years, it has expanded its metal recycling capacity to over 418,000 tonnes per annum. Since its inception, CMR has recorded a CAGR of over 25 per cent and solidified its position as India's leading producer of aluminium-based die-cast alloy, a critical component for automotive manufacturers. In this Interview, Agarwal has put the spotlight into the Indian aluminium recycling business. He reveals about the dips and floats of the ever-evolving market and shares his experience of surfing through the tides of time. AL Circle: What is the primary business model of CMR Green...
“We, as Intals, are finalising the renovation of a new facility: GML.The mission of GML is simple yet ambitious: to recover aluminium from materials that are difficult to process using traditional methods,” Alessandro Colla, Purchase and Sales Manager, Intals S.p.A
Intals S.p.A. is a leading European company specialising in aluminium recycling. With origins dating back to 1902 in a small artistic aluminium foundry in central Milan, Intals has established itself as a key player in the European aluminium recovery and recycling industry. In this exclusive interview, Mr. Alessandro Colla, Purchase and Sales Manager at Intals, has shared his insights into the company’s mission and vision, upcoming projects, investment strategies, and the evolving landscape of the European aluminium recycling market. Read on to discover how Intals is reinforcing its position as a leader in the industry. Image source: LinkedIn, Intals AL Circle: How would you describe the transformation in the secondary aluminium industry over less than a decade? Alessandro Colla : In the...
“In terms of investment, our focus is on strengthening GHI Smart Furnaces' position as a leader in providing advanced turnkey solutions for the aluminium recycling sector,” José Domingo Berasategui, CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces
We are honored to have a conversation with José Domingo Berasategui, CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces. After serving for over a decade as General Manager, Berasategui now takes on the role of executive leader, strengthening GHI’s commitment to innovation and excellence. In an exclusive discussion with AL Circle, he shares insights into his new role and responsibilities, his vision for the future of GHI Furnaces, and his strategy for advancing digitalisation. Most importantly, he highlights his mission to embed a culture of innovation and sustainability at GHI, driving transformation from within. AL Circle: Congratulations on your appointment as CEO of GHI Smart Furnaces! Please share your vision for the company's future in terms of investment, innovation, and business operations. José Domingo...
"Regulatory pressure and increasing environmental requirements are opening up many opportunities for us," Romain Girbal, co-founder of IB2
Romain Girbal, a seasoned entrepreneur and business developer, has over 20 years of experience across various industries. A graduate of HEC Paris with a specialisation in Business Law and Management, Romain is known for his strategic vision and leadership. In 2013, he co-founded Alliance Minière Responsable (AMR), a French bauxite mining company operating in the Republic of Guinea, where he played a pivotal role in fostering responsible and sustainable mining practices. As a member of the board at IB2 and a business development expert, Romain continues to contribute his expertise to various ventures, driving innovation and growth. In this interview, Mr Girbal has brought forth the present and future strategies of the company in combatting all odds and steering forward the development of...
“The biggest impact that sport can have on carbon emissions is to mobilise fans to act”, Tom Gribbin, Co-founder of Planet League
Tom Gribbin is the Co-founder of Planet League, a platform leveraging football to inspire sustainable living. Since 2019, Tom and Planet League have helped football fans and clubs score green goals for the planet. He has worked in sustainability, behaviour change, marketing, sports, and venture space for over 20 years. He has an MBA from the University of Cambridge and has been a Trustee of Nottingham Forest Community Trust. AL Circle Team had the distinct privilege of interviewing Tom Gribbin, the visionary Co-founder of Planet League. AL Circle: What motivated Planet League to collaborate with Ball Corporation and Kroenke Sports & Entertainment on the Green Action League? How does this align with Planet League’s broader mission? Tom Gribbin: We use the passion of sports to create real...
“The aluminium can sector for beverages in Brazil is a great example of a circular economy,” Cátilo Cândido, Executive President of Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas)
AL Circle presents a brief conversation with Cátilo Cândido, Executive President of the Brazilian Association of Aluminum Can Manufacturers (Abralatas). Mr Cândido is a Brazilian lawyer and the Executive President of Abralatas. An executive with more than 20 years of experience in public affairs, strategic business development and management, with experience in industry, commerce, and retail. He has occupied several leadership positions throughout his career. Here, Mr Cândido has explained the current situation of aluminium can industry in Brazil, the third-largest market in the world after the United States and Canada. AL Circle: Please shed some light on why aluminium cans are so widely consumed in Brazil? In an interview, you said a complex interplay of scale, temperature, and economy...
"We are a mining and resources company with a global footprint and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainable practices", Victor Tan, CEO, TOP International Holding
Victor Tan is the CEO of TOP International Holding. As CEO, he leads the company’s strategic direction and drives growth for the company. Founded in 2014, TOP has grown exponentially over the years. Under his leadership, TOP became Malaysia’s biggest bauxite exporter in 2015 and pioneered anchorage loading in the country. In 2017, TOP was the fastest-growing physical coal trader in Indonesia. As a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, TOP has earned industry accolades such as bagging The KPMG & The Business Times Enterprise 50 Award twice, Deloitte Best Managed Companies twice, and was identified by Enterprise Singapore to participate in Scale-Up SG, a programme that grooms local companies into future global champions. He is also a member and contributor at the Singapore...
“Aluminium flat-rolled products will increase in volume. Globally,” Vincenzo ZINNI, CEO, Niche Fusina Rolled Products S.r.L.
Vincenzo ZINNI, Chief Executive Officer, joined Fusina in 2022 with the acquisition of the plant by Dada Holding and Invitalia. With a background in metal trading, he is managing the group and driving the team to excellence, quality, and reliability. Under his management and focus, the plant is on track to regain its position in the marketplace. This is the result of a series of new investments and production improvements. Fusina, under its new leadership and ownership, has been able to be considered as one of the best suppliers for marine, road transportation, silos, or defence applications. AL Circle: What is Niche Fusina Rolled Products S.r.l.’s contribution to the global production of aluminium flat-rolled products? Could you provide insights into your yearly production capacity and...
