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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“The sustainability goals of the Indian aluminium industry are gaining momentum, with large players deploying a multi-pronged approach to reduce emissions.” Mayank Chauhan, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LogicLadder Technologies
As the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LogicLadder Technologies, Mayank Chauhan is a sustainability and Net Zero leader who empowers enterprises to navigate the climate economy. From envisioning to executing innovative solutions, he has meticulously crafted the growth narrative of India’s first climate tech company, LogicLadder. Today, the company’s climate action platform, The Sustainability Cloud, is used by 1000+ customers worldwide to measure, track, and report their carbon emissions, manage ESG initiatives, and drive their sustainability goals toward a Net Zero future. In his role, Mayank strategises product development and collaborates closely with local leadership in international markets to spearhead the continuous expansion of LogicLadder. With a wealth of experience in...
"The Aluminium business from The GCC perspective." Mahmood Dailami, Secretary General of the Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC)
AL Circle : The world is likely to surpass a dangerous temperature threshold within the next ten years unless countries transition away from fossil fuels. GCC countries are currently using gas as a source of energy. How do you foresee the situation developing? Mr. Mahmood Dailami : Looking around, emissions reduction plans by most governments are falling short, and if the situation continues, the world will reach 2.8C degrees by 2100. We can reverse the trend by reducing the use of fossil fuels and helping developing nations develop their renewable energy facilities and infrastructure. The European Union is pressing Africa, India, and other countries to stop using Coal and wants the GCC to halt any new oil and gas exploration projects. If they do, these countries will commit economic...
“Asia's non-ferrous metal industry, specifically aluminium, has several key opportunities for growth,” Parmod Sagar, Managing Director & CEO – India, RHI Magnesita
Parmod comes with more than 3 decades of extensive experience of serving the steel and refractory industry. A Mechanical Engineer by profession, Parmod started his career in the steel industry and worked in the sector for over 7 years gaining valuable insights. Thereafter, he transitioned to the refractories business joining Orient Refractories Limited (ORL) as a Manager -Technical Marketing in 1992. In 2013, after RHI AG acquired ORL, Parmod was appointed in the role of Managing Director & CEO of ORL. He currently holds the position of the Managing Director and CEO of the RHI Magnesita India Ltd. Additionally, he is also the President of World Refractories Association. AL Circle: How do you see the aluminium industry's future evolving in the Asian market, particularly in the context of...
"Speira is heavily investing in recycling assets like new recycling furnaces," Reinhard Pritzlaff, Technical Advisor, Speira
After completing his studies in process engineering at Cologne University, Reinhard Pritzlaff began his career as a development engineer at the Alunorf aluminium rolling mill in Germany. He now applies his technical expertise to support customers. Since 2021, Reinhard Pritzlaff has been working as the Technical Advisor at Speira, specialising in Aluminium Applications Optimisation. AL Circle: What do you think is the future of recycling – Do you think aluminium recycling is a challenging task? How well do you think the industry has geared up in terms of recycling or circular economy? Reinhard Pritzlaff: The future of recycling is based on two important pillars: On the one hand, better collection and deposit schemes for the consumer and, on the other hand, broad investments in sorting and...
"Respect for the environment embodies the Hu'chu philosophy and my personal story," Daniel Roesner, CEO at Hu'chu GmbH
An actor, film producer and environmental entrepreneur, Daniel Roesner is an innovative leader and the CEO of Hu'chu 55, a company known for its sustainable catamaran projects. With a vision rooted deeply in environmental stewardship and cutting-edge technology, Roesner has guided Hu'chu 55 to the forefront of eco-friendly marine transportation. His commitment to sustainability is reflected in the company’s flagship project, the Hu'chu 55 catamaran, designed to minimise environmental impact while maximising efficiency and comfort. In addition to his role at Hu'chu 55, Roesner is an advocate for sustainable practices across various sectors, often speaking at industry events and contributing to discussions on the future of green technology. His work continues to inspire others in the...
"The EEASY Lid is the world’s first aluminium lug jar lid," Brandon Bach, President of CCT
Brandon Bach brings over 18 years of experience in project management, marketing, and video production, including expertise in video and graphic design and the coordination of live events. As the current president of Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT), he leads the company behind the EEASY Lid, a significant innovation in jar lids that represents the first major advancement in over 75 years. AL Circle: Tell us about yourself and CCT. Brandon Bach: My name is Brandon Bach, and I am the president of Consumer Convenience Technologies (CCT). CCT is the maker of the EEASY Lid – the first jar lid innovation in 80 years. AL Circle: What is the EEASY Lid? Brandon Bach: The EEASY Lid helps take the struggle out of opening stubborn jars. It allows consumers to vent a vacuum-sealed jar by...
“Sustainability is key to Mechatherm's ongoing business plan”, Chris Emes, Chairman, Mechatherm International Limited
Chris Emes is the newly appointed Chairman of Mechatherm International Limited, where he has served since 1980. Starting as a project engineer after graduating from John Moores University, Chris has held various roles, including Sales Manager in the UK and South Africa. As a key figure in developing aluminium recycling and cast house technologies, he became the sole Managing Director in 1993. Influenced by the company's founders, Chris has driven significant milestones, such as securing Mechatherm's first million-pound order and receiving the Queen's Award for Enterprise. His leadership focuses on innovation, sustainability, and expanding Mechatherm's global reach, particularly in the Australasian and Asian markets. AL Circle: Could you briefly overview your career and how you arrived at...
“GO2 provides solutions that can be used on high-temp metal with existing thermal transfer print technology”, Dan Schroer, Chief Operating Officer at GO2 Partners
Dan Schroer has worked in manufacturing, metals, and adjacent industries for over 30 years. His expertise ranges across the manufacturing value stream, from supply chain optimisation to packaging solutions to material identification innovations, using the latest technology to increase safety, eliminate mixed metal, and maximise efficiency from receiving materials to shipping final products. Today, Dan is the Chief Operating Officer at GO2 Partners, where he leads and supports special projects and delivers results for customers, including some of the world's largest companies. AL Circle: Can you briefly overview GO2 Partners and its core mission? Dan Schroer: GO2 Partners provides industrial solutions that focus on solving clients' pain points through better label, tag, and material ID...
“Inductotherm hopes to play a pivotal role in advancing aluminium casting technology in the coming years through continued investment in technology, product, and process improvements,” Ed Chmielecki, Sales Manager Light Metal Applications – Inductotherm Corp.
Ed has 21 years in the metal casting industry, primarily in non-ferrous metal. He has been with Inductotherm Corp. since September 2019 as Sales Manager for Light Metal Applications and District Manager covering the South-Central US. Before joining Inductotherm, Ed was a Regional Sales Manager for a Crucible Company, and prior to that was a Furnace Services Engineer covering North America, installing, and servicing Electric Resistance and Gas Fired Crucible furnaces. At Inductotherm, he now uses his years of experience to show customers the benefits of using induction melting to reduce their carbon footprint while producing cleaner molten aluminium more efficiently. AL Circle: Please briefly overview your foundry equipment and machinery, highlighting their key features. Ed Chmielecki:...
Aluminium is far easier to recycle than plastic, so it was a no-brainer that we should use it instead of bottles: Josh White, Co-founder and CEO of Cano Water
Josh White is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cano Water, the world's first canned water brand, founded in 2015. Josh has spoken extensively about his battles with ADHD and feeling different while growing up - and prides himself on embodying the brand's "Don't Bottle It" attitude. He is passionate about helping other entrepreneurs who want to do good but might be facing similar struggles. He has extensive experience in building, launching, and managing a successful beverage brand, growing Cano Water from a startup to a household name stocked in over 10,000 retail points across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East. Josh White's commitment to creating impactful social and environmental change has not gone unnoticed. As a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree, he has been recognised for his passion and...
“Covacsis covers the entire aluminium value stream, from bauxite to alumina to downstream aluminium products,” Tarun Mishra, Founder, Covacsis
Tarun is the founder of Covacsis Technologies and was among the first few in the world to envisage the transformation of the current manufacturing system into algorithmic manufacturing as a next-generation manufacturing reality. Today, Covacsis is a leader in industry-based digital transformational solutions in India. Covacsis' IPF is helping the process industry increase productivity and reduce costs by using data and algorithms specifically developed for the process industry. As an alumnus of IIT Bombay, Tarun's love for writing and his musical talent on the drum set are just a few facets of his multifaceted personality. More importantly, he is deeply committed to creating employment opportunities for the weaker strata of society, a testament to his social engagement and compassion. AL...
“Hencon's vehicles are all built to ensure the highest safety and efficiency standards,” Peter Vanvuchelen, Director Sales & Business Development, Hencon
Peter Vanvuchelen is an accomplished professional with over eight years of experience in Business Development at Hencon. His career includes pivotal roles such as General Manager at Deutz Engines Benelux from 2014 to 2016, Director of Sales and Marketing at Linde Forklifts Benelux, and sales responsibilities for Caterpillar and Mitsubishi Forklifts across EMEA. Peter's expertise spans strategic business growth, sales management, and leadership in the industrial and automotive sectors. AL Circe: Can you provide an overview of Hencon's history and key milestones in the aluminium industry? How does Hencon stay ahead of technological advancements in the aluminium industry? Peter Vanvuchelen: Hencon was founded in the Netherlands in 1956. At the time, we mainly manufactured side loaders and...
“At a high level, making aluminium and CO2 accessible as energy storage materials is a major contribution to the greater sustainability of our energy system,” Thomas Chepucavage, CEO & Dr Olaf Conrad, CTO, Flow Aluminum
Thomas Chepucavage is the CEO and a seasoned professional with over 22 years of experience building companies and leading teams across various industries. Thomas began his career with Accenture, advancing to VIP-level roles in high-growth ventures and gaining exposure to Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at PNM. He co-founded Flow Aluminum in 2023, producing recyclable, rare-earth-free Aluminum-CO2 batteries with industry-leading energy density for applications from drones to grid storage. Over the past 20 years, Dr Olaf Conrad has created energy technology teams and organisations, from early concepts to full-fledged powerhouses in their respective markets. Stations of his career include Director of the Centre of Competence in Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in Cape Town, South Africa,...
“Thermika infra-red ovens have significantly impacted energy savings and die performance in the aluminium extrusion industry,” Charbel Saliba, Director, Thermika Systems Inc.
Charbel Saliba, with a background in economics, ventured into entrepreneurial endeavours shortly after completing his university studies. He successfully built and sold several businesses independently before his career took a significant turn. This pivotal moment came when his father-in-law introduced him to the industrial heating industry. He gained extensive knowledge about the field and business operations in general from his father-in-law's mentoring and guidance. This support proved invaluable as Charbel navigated this new industry. Reflecting on these experiences, Charbel expresses deep gratitude, recognising their crucial role in shaping his professional journey. These formative experiences have led to his current success and the accomplished professional he is today. AL Circle:...
The UK’s aluminium packaging recycling rate hit an impressive 68% in 2023: Tom Giddings, CEO, Alupro
AL Circle: Can you briefly overview Alupro's mission and objectives. How does Alupro contribute to promoting aluminium recycling in the UK? Tom Giddings: Our key objective is to act as the voice of the aluminium packaging value chain to ensure the views of private organisations are heard by the government as we work to increase recycling rates, provide valuable insights, and improve the rules and infrastructure around recycling to ensure aluminium packaging can fulfil its gold-standard potential for the circular economy. As part of our work, we lobby the government on behalf of our members, encouraging positive changes to legislation and the wider industry in the best interests of aluminium packaging. Alongside this, we also take part in steering groups presenting the thoughts and...
Implementing policy changes at both national and international levels can significantly reduce the environmental impacts of bauxite mining: Matthew Groch, Mighty Earth
Matthew Groch is the Senior Director of Decarbonisation at Mighty Earth, overseeing the organisation’s decarbonisation campaign. In his role, he focuses on transforming the heavy industry, including steel and aluminium, towards more sustainable practices across its supply chains. Matthew also ensures that the leading automakers in the electric vehicle transition are shifting their material supply chains to low-carbon and deforestation-free sources. Before joining Mighty Earth, Matthew Groch was Deputy Director at Public Citizen’s Global Trade Watch, working on critical issues such as the NAFTA renegotiation and global COVID-19 vaccine access. Matthew holds a B.A. in political science from Drew University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2008. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of Mighty...
"Our strategy to enhance profitability for our customers in the aluminium and steel sectors focuses on an in-depth analysis of price movements by leveraging historical data," Tushar Kamat, Chief Business officer (CBO) at Bizongo
Tushar Kamat, the Chief Business officer (CBO) at Bizongo, comes with more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership, scaling business growth, and enabling business transformation by developing go-to-market strategies for generating revenue. Kamat has had affiliations with notable companies such as SAP, Accenture, Airtel, and TCS. In his latest position as the head of the field operating unit for India's business at Automation Anywhere, he spearheaded a remarkable hyper-scale business growth of approximately 250 per cent during COVID-19. AL Circle: You have been a part of this organisation since 2022. How has your journey been so far? Tushar Kamat: I joined Bizongo as the Chief Business Officer in September 2022 to scale the business to the next level of profitable growth through...
"Our significant focus has been on aerospace aluminium, slabs, and billet casting" Ravi Tilak, President and CEO Almex USA Inc.
AL Circle: What role does Almex play in the aluminium industry? Ravi Tilak: We provide equipment and technology and complete solutions for making aerospace aluminium balloons. Our significant focus has been on aerospace aluminium, slabs, and billet casting. But it's not just related to casting. We provide furnace-to-finish solutions, including metallurgical process know-how and training for a plant to completely absorb the essentials of qualifying their product for aerospace applications. Now, that is far more difficult than other alloys. The aerospace alloys are far more complex, and the quality requirements are very stringent; a plant becomes qualified once it is entirely on board with AS9100 and aerospace major qualifications. So, we hold our customers' hands up to complete their...
