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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“Over the past years, primary metal smelters in Canada have incrementally moved towards digitalisation, focusing on automation and robotisation,” Jean Simard, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aluminium Association of Canada
As President and CEO of the Aluminium Association of Canada since 2009, Jean Simard is the industry’s official representative and spokesperson with governments, business associations and the media, as well as with international organisations linked to the industry. He holds a degree in Civil Law from the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Barreau du Québec. He possesses extensive professional experience in public and government relations, mainly in sustainable development, energy, and environmental affairs. Prior to joining the AAC, he was Vice-President of Sustainable Development, Public and Governmental Affairs at Gaz Métro, a Quebec-based energy company. AL Circle: How do you foresee the growth of the aluminium industry in Canada? Which end-user sector do you think will drive...
The announcement of Mytilineos as GIADEC’s strategic partner for Project 3A will be the turning point for the country’s aluminium industry - Mr. Michael Ansah CEO, Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC)
In 2018, Michael Ansah was appointed by the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to lead the development of an Integrated Aluminium Industry in Ghana. GIADEC is harnessing Ghana’s 900 million tonnes bauxite reserves, its ownership of Valco, as well as its minority stake in Ghana Bauxite Company Ltd., to build and establish a fully Integrated Aluminium Industry (IAI), leveraging the full value chain of bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminium smelting, and giving credence to the President’s vision of a “Ghana Beyond Aid”. He holds an MBA from Cranfield School of Management, UK. Prior to his appointment as CEO of GIADEC, Michael was Senior Vice President (SVP) at Dell Technologies, with responsibilities for Global operations across over 180 countries. In a...
Sustainable packaging is here to stay! An interview with Victoria Marletta of Aerosol Packaging at Ball Corporation
As we turn the page to a new year, sustainability remains a key trend that will dominate the metal packaging industry. The Metal Packager’s Iris Arsic asked Victoria Marletta, commercial vice president, Aerosol Packaging at Ball Corporation, about key developments in the company’s eco-friendly aerosol packaging solutions. Here, she talks about Eyeris, Ball’s proprietary enhanced printing technology, previously used in its beverage business and now widely available to aerosol customers to provide standout shelf appeal and attract consumers with premium packaging design. Marletta also gives insights into the challenges to making sustainable packaging and shortlists trends that will shape the aluminium aerosol can industry. The Metal Packager: In January 2023, Ball Aerosol Packaging became...
With the new circular economy trend, we trust there is room to increase recycling within a primary and secondary aluminium producer ecosystem - EPIQ Machinery
AL Circle : What kind of solutions do you provide for aluminium casthouse handling systems and casting lines? Can you please share a case study where your solution has significantly benefited a casthouse in material handling? EPIQ Machinery : Under the BROCHOT brand, EPIQ has produced fully automated aluminium Foundry Ingot Stack Handling Systems. These systems considerably reduce the route of mobile equipment and, proportionally, the co-activity in this often-congested sector. It also avoids stopping the production line if there is a delay or failure in removing the ingots’ piles from the conveyor. The Foundry Ingot Stack Handling Systems are designed to handle foundry ingots from the casting to the discharge conveyor and onto the packaging area. The bundles are then handled by forklifts...
“Inductotherm's induction melting systems for aluminium casting boast IIoT readiness, facilitating real-time data access for process control,” Ed Chmielecki, Sales Manager Light Metal Applications – Inductotherm Corp.
Ed has 21 years in the metalcasting 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. Inductotherm is the leading manufacturer of induction metal melting systems for metal producers today. We design and...
“Visiometa’s goal is nothing less than to drive the evolution of the foundry industry through innovation and rethinking,” Dr Ralf Gerke-Cantow, Managing Director of Visiometa
A seasoned management professional, Dr Ralf Gerke-Cantow, the Managing Director of Visiometa GmbH, has a rich background in foundry engineering, specialising in investment casting of aluminium and titanium. With 19 years of hands-on experience in the industry, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at Visiometa GmbH. Ralf began his journey by studying foundry technology at the Gießen-Friedberg University of Applied Sciences, laying a solid foundation for his career. Throughout his professional life, he has excelled in various capacities, including customer advisory and calculation, research and development, and management of titanium production involving several hundred employees. His dedication to continuous improvement is evident through his pursuit of a PhD at TU...
“Our commitment is to serve our customers by delivering optimal technological solutions tailored to their specific needs within our areas of expertise,” Associated Industrial Furnaces (P) Ltd. (AIFL)
Headquartered in Kolkata, Associated Industrial Furnaces (P) Ltd. (AIFL) operates from its central project office, strategically extending its presence nationwide through a robust network of regional and branch offices. Complemented by dedicated representatives strategically positioned in major metropolitan areas and key locations across India, AIFL ensures comprehensive coverage and accessibility throughout the country. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of your company's history and role in the aluminium casthouse equipment sector? AIFL: Since its inception in 1988, Associated Industrial Furnaces (P) Ltd. (AIFL) has emerged as India's foremost furnace and ancillary equipment manufacturer, catering to both ferrous and non-ferrous industries. Bolstered by the technological expertise...
"Atomic13 is focused on commercialising its ShAPE technology that manufactures high-quality aluminium extrusions from 100% post-consumer scrap, thereby reducing embodied carbon by 80-90%," Eric Donsky, Innovator, Chairman & CEO of Atomic13
Eric Donsky is a serial deep tech entrepreneur, having founded the first industrial synthetic biology and bio-based chemical company, which was spun out of 4 national labs funded by the U.S. DoE, including PNNL. This company went public on the NYSE at a $1B+ valuation. His latest venture, Atomic13, focuses on upcycling aluminium scrap into high-value aluminium extruded parts for the building and construction industry. The DoE has developed a highly novel solid-phase process technology that converts 100% post-consumer aluminium scrap into extruded parts that meet or exceed the ASTM standards on structural specifications for various aluminium alloys, including 6061 and 6063. AL Circle: Give our readers a brief introduction about yourself and your startup, Atomic13. Eric Donsky : I am a...
“Many foundries are ‘Hidden Champions,’ which are not visible to potential customers but perform well. SUpplyDU.com want to give these companies a stage and the possibility of being easily recognized by relevant buyers,” SUpplyDU.com
With over two decades of dedicated experience in the casting and automotive sectors, Kai Maier has assumed various management positions, leveraging his expertise in casting and market dynamics. Currently serving as the Co-Founder and General Manager for Europe at SupplyDu.com, he is pivotal in steering the company's strategic direction and operational excellence within the region. Maier's profound industry knowledge and leadership have driven growth and innovation in the automotive and casting domains. Matthias Bressau brings extensive leadership experience in materials management and operations across various European and Asian industries. With a proven track record, he assumes the role of Co-Founder and General Manager for the Asia Pacific region. As an industry expert and a specialist...
“The role of aluminium-ion battery technology in the design of the transparent battery lies in addressing the challenges associated with colour indicator energy storage, particularly in applications such as energy-efficient buildings and wearable devices,” Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh, Scientist, Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Science (CeNS)
Dr Ashutosh Kumar Singh is a materials scientist specialising in synthesising and designing nanomaterials for applications like energy conversion, storage, sensors, and optoelectronics. He excels in translating research into practical prototypes and large-scale devices, with a strong track record in collaborating with industries and government sectors. With a B.Sc. from Hindu College, Delhi University, and an Integrated MSc-PhD from S. N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Kolkata, he has extensive experience, including postdoctoral research and roles in academia and industry. Dr Singh's research focuses on functional nanomaterials, smart coatings, transparent electrodes, and energy-related technologies. He prioritises affordability and enhanced energy efficiency in his projects and...
“The expansion of primary aluminium production in the Gulf indeed leads to increased customer demand towards Fives for machinery and equipment with advanced automation and control systems,” Frédéric Pereira, Services Development Manager, Aluminium Division, Fives.
Frédéric Pereira is a seasoned professional with over 13 years of dedicated service at Fives ECL, where he currently holds the esteemed position of Services Development Manager for the Aluminium division. With a robust background in production engineering complemented by a Master of Business Administration, Frédéric brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. Throughout his career, Frédéric has demonstrated a strong aptitude for project management, particularly within the machine design industry. His tenure as a Project Manager equipped him with invaluable skills in overseeing complex projects from conception to execution, ensuring efficiency and excellence at every step. AL Circle: How do you foresee the growth of the aluminium industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)...
“The potential increase in the primary aluminium production in the Middle East and the slowing of European output can be offset by the additional capacity from the Middle East,” Bruce Wilson, Director – Aluminium Division at REEL
Bruce Wilson is a successful engineering professional with over 25 years of experience in the primary aluminium industry. A graduate in mechanical engineering and business administration with certification in project management. His experience working for world-class companies has given him strong business acumen. He has excellent leadership qualities and can mentor and motivate individuals and create high-performance teams. A strong track record in the successful execution of multi-disciplined projects with high standards in technical, contractual, and managerial roles in green-field and brown-field primary aluminium smelter projects. Bruce currently leads an energetic, innovative, and dynamic team as the Director of the Aluminium Division for REEL INTERNATIONAL. AL Circle: What is REEL...
“It is not difficult to follow the arguments and the goals for decarbonisation and sustainability. There are big questions about how to get there, ” Dr Thomas Niehoff, founder of combustion POTENTIAL GmbH in Germany
Dr Thomas Niehoff studied mechanical engineering at the technical university RWTH Aachen (Germany) and later made his PhD thesis at the IEHK in Aachen. Dr. Thomas Niehoff has worked for over 30 years in the industrial gas industry. He managed an R&D department in an executive position an R&D department and projects for metallurgical gas applications there. EH&S has always been the highest priority in his work area. He combines decades of experience with expertise in R&D management and melting and combustion technology. Dr. Thomas Niehoff is an inventor or co-inventor of 14 patents. He is the founder and owner of combustion POTENTIAL GmbH in Germany. AL Circle: What is you background in this industry? Dr. Thomas Niehoff : I have worked my entire professional career as a combustion...
“The aluminium industry in the Gulf is constantly evolving, and it will remain a prominent centre for aluminium production outside of China,” Mahmood Daylami, Secretary General, Gulf Aluminium Council.
Mahmood Daylami is the Secretary General of the Gulf Aluminium Council (GAC) and former Deputy Chief Executive at ALBA. He has been associated with the aluminium business for over forty years. Additionally, he is the author of the book 'Understanding Cultural Diversity in the Gulf: A Management Perspective. AL Circle: As we are nearing the end of 2023 - we would like to know how the aluminium industry did in the GCC this year - some key trends emerging? Mahmood Daylami: Despite market uncertainty due to the war in Europe, GCC smelters maintained full-capacity production in 2023, with a collective output expected to exceed 2022. The key focus area is developing carbon emission reduction strategies; some have moved to implementation, refarming GCC producers' commitment to long-term carbon...
“KAN-NAK will continue supporting smelters in decreasing energy consumption by reducing the cell voltage and improving the cell magnetohydrodynamic status,” René von Kaenel, CEO and President, KAN-NAK
René von Kaenel received his diploma as a physicist from The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) before working for International Computer Limited in London and specialising in computer science. In 1981, he joined Alusuisse and became the head of the modelling activities for smelting technology. In 2000, he received the title of Electrolysis director in the ALCAN organisation and supervised ALCAN’s R&D activities for the Hall-Héroult process. Since 1981, he has participated in many smelter modernisation projects worldwide, leading to large productivity increases and significant energy savings. He has published many articles on electrolysis cells, casting processes and inert anode technology. In 2004, he created KAN-NAK Ltd., a specialised company for the optimisation of...
“The integration of digital and physical systems will keep advancing, bringing them closer together. Heavy industries, mining, and minerals are already experiencing benefits from exponential technologies like AI,” Dr Saptarshi Das
Dr Saptarshi Das is a firm believer that sustainability and profitability can be achieved simultaneously. To this end, he has focused his activities and investments on clean technology and affordable education. He heads the global Decision Science division of the energy major Shell. He has extensive knowledge of the technology and economics of energy systems, ranging from the molecular to the geopolitical level. Earlier in his career, he worked with Morgan Stanley and Siemens. Saptarshi has a strong technical background. He holds a Master's degree in Applied Statistics and Informatics from IIT Bombay and earned his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Vienna. He has numerous patents and publications in top journals to his credit. AL Circle: We are witnessing the increasingly...
“The vision of RODABELL is to be a leader in manufacturing and maintaining casting equipment for the aluminium industry in the Middle East,” Alejandro Rellan, Managing Partner of RODABELL
Alejandro Rellan is the second generation in the family business. He joined Rodabell in 2011 to focus on foreign sales and business relations. Alex holds a University degree in electrical engineering along with an MBA in Business Administration. He started his professional career working in several engineering positions in the renewable energy sector both in Spain and the USA. After several years of boosting the organization’s international sales strategy, he is currently acting as CEO. AL Circle: Can you briefly overview RODABELL's history, mission, and core values? Alejandro Rellan: Rodabell was established in 1980 on the northwest coast of Spain when primary aluminium production was at a high level. Spain used to be one of the leading primary producers in the EU, with over 550,000...
“In the context of safety training, for instance, gamification can simulate hazardous scenarios, allowing employees to make decisions and respond to emergencies in a risk-free virtual environment,” Arijit Bhattacharyya, an entrepreneur, consultant, speaker, and mentor
Arijit Bhattacharyya is an accomplished entrepreneur, consultant, speaker, and mentor who has made a significant impact in the Global startup ecosystem related to finance and digital banking. Being an international record holder in technology and finance, he writes books on entrepreneurship and VC funding and mentors budding entrepreneurs to start their ventures. He has mentored around 6,000 startups across 90+ countries. He is a founder of several initiatives and organisations, such as Virtualinfocom, India’s one of the first game development, VR AR, Hologram, Blockchain, AI ML, Fintech & Blockchain solution Deeptech solution company. He is also a founder of World Leader Summit, Entrepreneursface, and CoInnovateVentures. World Leader Summit is the world’s largest leadership summit and...
