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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“Of the material fed into the plant, approximately 85% of the aluminium is recovered.” – Andrea Troy, Business Developer, Enval
My background in the plastic recycling industry started with 2 years of experience working at Viridor Polymers serving as the Commercial Manager in the Polymers team, overseeing all accounts and contracts for rigid plastic recycling through mechanical processes, specializing in PE, PP, and PET. In January 2022, I joined Enval as the Head of Commercial and Business Development, leading. I lead the business development efforts of Enval's innovative recycling technology, with a specific focus on increasing the recycling of flexible plastics and laminates. I am passionate about driving positive change, and actively seek collaboration opportunities and invite others to connect with me to explore synergies or gain insights into my experiences in the plastic recycling field. AL Circle: How much...
“Aluminium recycling saves a significant amount of energy compared to producing new aluminium, which directly translates into a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions”, David Van Heuverswyn, Director Every Can Counts Europe
Born in Belgium in 1975, David joined European Aluminium in March 2008, initially working on issues related to Public Affairs, Communications & Packaging. In 2015 he became Coordinator of the Packaging Group, and in 2019 he was appointed Manager of Packaging Group and Director of Every Can Counts, Europe. Since then, the Every Can Counts programme started growing outside Europe with the inclusion of Brazil in 2019 and recent pilot projects in the United Arab Emirates and the USA. Today the programme is active in 20+ countries worldwide. Over the years, David accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in the aluminium and can-making industries while developing professional communication, marketing, recycling, sustainability and management skills. AL Circle: How is Every Can Counts...
“The ambitious staffs of Ad Rem is putting in all possible effort to maintain Ad Rem’s position as a front-runner in the industry”, Jelle Saint-Germain, Sales Engineer, AD REM
In 2013, Jelle Saint-Germain earned his degree in chemical engineering from the University of Ghent and immediately embarked on his career as a project engineer at Valvan. Shortly after completing his studies, he embarked on a professional journey as a project engineer at Valvan, the leading company within the Valtech Group. Valvan specializes in designing and manufacturing baling presses and textile sorting machines. After accumulating three years of technical experience, he was offered a transfer to Ad Rem, a subsidiary of the Valtech Group, where he began his role as a sales engineer in 2016. As part of his responsibilities, he had the opportunity to travel to Sweden for an 8-week period. During this time, he played a vital role in the launch of Europe's largest flotation plant,...
“Alcore has developed a process to recover hydrogen fluoride from aluminium smelter bath, which is combined with aluminium hydroxide to produce aluminium fluoride”, Dr Mark Cooksey, CEO, ABx Group
In early 2020, Dr Mark Cooksey assumed the CEO role at ABx Group, leveraging his expertise and leadership. Prior to this, he held significant positions in process improvement and development at esteemed organizations like Rio Tinto, GE, and Australia's national science agency, CSIRO. Over his 25-year career, Dr Cooksey has remained dedicated to driving process innovation, showcasing his adeptness in advancing and bringing novel processes within the minerals sector to market. Notably, he has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the aluminium value chain. AL Circle: Can you provide an overview of ABx Group's subsidiary Alcore and its areas of expertise? Dr Mark Cooksey: Alcore has developed a new process for producing aluminium fluoride. Its core expertise is chemical engineering,...
“We expect aluminium extrusion to continue to be a critical element in high-rise buildings – whether office or residential – and a major factor in other building segments, such as mid-rise and institutional buildings”, Guy Charpentier, Division Marketing Director, Bonnell Aluminum & Lynn Brown, Market Development Consultant, AEC
AL Circle: How do you envision the future of aluminium in the construction sector? What trends or developments do you expect to see in the coming years? AEC: Despite rapid growth in transport applications, construction remains the largest end-use sector in North America (the U.S. and Canada), representing around 35% of total consumption. We expect aluminium extrusion to continue to be a critical element in high-rise buildings – whether office or residential – and a major factor in other building segments, such as mid-rise and institutional buildings. Extrusions’ role in these structures will be driven by efforts to reduce the carbon intensity of buildings, ongoing improvements in building energy and resource efficiency, and increased focus on occupant health and well-being. Reducing...
“Aludecor is the first and only brand in the industry to have collaborated with an Institute like IIT to manufacture the best FR-grade ACPs in the country”, Ashok Kr Bhaiya, owner and CMD of Aludecor Lamination Pvt Ltd
Ashok Kr Bhaiya, owner and CMD of Aludecor Lamination Pvt Ltd, has an inspiring story of re-introducing ACP in India and reaching the pinnacle. In 1999, while managing the import-export business, this promising material caught his eye. The millennium was changing then, and so was the lifestyle. He travelled to various parts of the US, Europe & Asian Nations to learn about the production technology and other nitty-gritty used in ACPs. In 2002, he re-introduced this high-potential product in India with state-of-the-art ACP manufacturing facilities, advanced equipment & futuristic technology, along with a coil coating line in Haridwar under the brand name of Aludecor. AL Circle: How do you foresee the demand for aluminium composite panels for building facades and interiors in India this...
“The construction sector is respectful and committed to the environment and environmental values while serving as the engine and the objective of all the cities in the world”, Luca Lorini, Head of Sales, ALTEX
In 2000, Luca Lorini embarked on his career in the aluminium extrusion machinery manufacturing industry. He began working for an Italian company and was involved in various aspects of the business, starting from the factory and eventually progressing to overseeing installations at customers' sites. This role allowed him to travel extensively and experience life in numerous countries across the globe. After gaining valuable expertise in the service department, Luca transitioned to the sales department in 2010. He began a journey to establish his own sales business, opening sales offices across various countries and forging robust international alliances in 2010. His efforts led to the creation of strong global relationships and cooperative ventures. Later, in 2014, he took a significant...
“India’s construction sector is expected to be the third largest in the world after China and the US, with an expected overall value of USD 1.4 trillion by 2025,” Rahul Sharma, CEO, Vedanta Limited – Aluminium Business
Rahul Sharma is the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta's Aluminium Business. Prior to this, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Vedanta's Alumina Business and also held the position of Director of Corporate Strategy for Vedanta's Aluminium and Power Business. He joined Vedanta in 1998 and has held various leadership positions at Vedanta Limited and Sterlite Technologies Limited. Before joining Vedanta, he was Chief Marketing Officer (Domestic and International) and Business Head of System Integration Business at Sterlite Technologies Limited. He is one of the principal figures of India's Metal & Mining industry and has been playing a significant role in driving various policies and creating a strategic framework for numerous government reforms for the sustainable development of...
“Architects have shown great creativity in using aluminium for thousands of iconic designs around the globe”, Khaled Abdelmoneim, CEO, ALUPCO
Khaled Abdelmoneim was appointed the CEO of ALUPCO in 2009. With a robust 32 years of experience, he has held various positions across multiple industries in engineering, project management, sales, and general management. Khaled left his mark in esteemed multinational organizations like Procter & Gamble and PepsiCo International before holding his position at ALUPCO. As CEO of ALUPCO, Khaled has diversified and expanded the company’s practices across the value chain with a global reach and sustainability top of mind. AL Circle: How do you envision the future of aluminium in the construction sector? What trends or developments do you expect in the coming years? Khaled Abdelmoneim: Like all other industries, the construction industry is heavily influenced by the rapid growth of...
“After the Covid period, Europe's building & construction industry has grown well, thanks to the Government's incentive offerings, particularly in Italy,” Alberto Pomari, Development Director of FACE
We have with us Mr Alberto Pomari, Development Director of FACE – The Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe. The Brussels-based Federation of Aluminium Consumers in Europe (FACE) is the voice of Europe’s aluminium users and consumers, having members from many of the top aluminium downstream stakeholders. The Federation was founded in May 1999 by independent European aluminium transformers, aiming to promote the continent’s downstream aluminium sector and establish the versatility of the metal by showcasing its economic, social and environmental virtues. In 2018, FACE’s members used 780,000 tonnes of aluminium. Let us know from Mr Pomari the current demand and consumption of aluminium in European buildings and construction and what role FACE is playing to drive the growth. AL Circle...
“We have a new product which we will launch later this year. It’s a camera system which runs underneath the casting table,” Ola Furu & August Riise from Hycast AS
AL Circle was delighted to welcome a delegation from Hycast AS last month and discuss how Hydro’s technology partner is taking aluminium casting to the next level globally. Ola Furu, Head of Project and Sales of Hycast AS, and August Riise, Senior Project Manager of Hycast, were in conversation with our Director of Operations, Soumyadip Chakraborty, which turned out to a deep insight into the market of aluminium casting. Mr Furu & Riise discussed the products and services and how Hycast incorporates sustainability into the technologies it provides. They also revealed the new technology they would be launching this year. To know about it all, continue reading the interview: AL Circle: Please brief us about Hycast and the kinds of products it offers to the aluminium value chain. Ola Furu :...
“We are currently in a transformative growth phase, setting the stage for a disruptive revolution across our assets, employees, and operational integration,” Rahul Sharma, CEO, Vedanta Ltd – Aluminium Business
We are honoured to have a one-on-one interview with Mr Rahul Sharma, CEO of Vedanta Limited – Aluminium Business, wherein he explained the features and functionalities of the newly installed IIoT devices at their 2400 MW Thermal Power Plant. He has also described how the devices can curb carbon emissions, improving air quality. He has also discussed Vedanta’s green brands Restora & Restora Ultra while revealing their long-term net-zero emission goals. To know about it all, read the interview below: AL Circle: Congratulations on installing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices at your thermal power plant. Please enlighten us on the functionalities of devices towards resisting carbon emissions. Rahul Sharma : Being among the world’s top players and India’s largest aluminium producer,...
“Our goals towards sustainability are to see more companies embrace infinitely recyclable aluminium as their packaging material of choice”, Tom Giddings, Executive Director, Alupro
Tom Giddings is Executive Director of the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), the industry-funded, not-for-profit organisation with over 30 years of experience representing the UK’s aluminium packaging industry. Working to fulfil the industry’s objectives to meet, and exceed, recycling targets for aluminium packaging, Alupro has a long history of engaging and encouraging businesses and consumers to recycle their aluminium packaging through engagement campaigns such as Every Can Counts and Metal Matters. Tom oversees Alupro’s work to achieve these aims, joining the company in 2020 as Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager to support Alupro’s members in highlighting and promoting the sustainability and circular economy credentials of aluminium packaging. Prior to this,...
“Icelandic aluminium production is nearly 900,000 tonnes, the second biggest in Europe after Norway”, Petur Blondal, Managing Director, Icelandic Association of Aluminium Producers (Samal)
Petur Blondal is the Managing Director of the Icelandic Association of Aluminium Producers. He is one of the founders and board members of the Icelandic Aluminium Cluster. Petur is a former journalist and editor at Morgunbladid, Iceland’s biggest daily. He was the Head of PR and investor relations at Islandsbanki and was the founder and Head of a PR division at Gott folk McCann-Erickson. In addition to his BA in philosophy from the University of Iceland, Petur holds an MBA from the University of Reykjavik. AlCircle: Could you share the journey of the Icelandic Association of Aluminum Producers, Samál, from its inception? What was the primary intent behind the formation of this association? Petur Blondal: Samal, as the Icelandic Association of Aluminium Producers is called, was founded in...
“The demand for high-quality, recycled aluminium scrap, beginning sometime in 2024 or 2025, will be greater than the supply,” Peter Nagusky, President and CEO of the Federal Metal Company
Peter Nagusky is the President and CEO of The Federal Metal Company, an industry leader in cast copper-based alloys since 1913. Federal Metal has melting facilities in northeast Ohio and eastern Pennsylvania, and recently opened a new processing operation in central Arkansas that specializes in recycling aluminum copper radiators. To complement the core business established by his great grandfather, Peter is making major new investments to supply rolling mills with high purity aluminum and copper products. Let’s hear from Peter about the demand and supply growth of aluminium scrap and how improved sorting technologies can lead to a better recycling output. AlCircle: Recycled aluminium content in end-use products is rapidly replacing the primary metal. Is this resulting in immense...
“Substantial growth in aluminium demand, both primary and secondary, is forecast in the coming decades, particularly from the transport, construction and electrical sectors.” Mr Mike Ferraro, President of the Australian Aluminium Council.
AlCircle: How is the Australian Aluminium Council helping to promote sustainable bauxite mining and metal production? Mr Mike Ferraro: Aluminium is one of the commodities most widely used in the global clean energy transition. Transitioning the world towards green energy sources will require 50% more aluminium than the electricity sector consumes today. Australia is one of the very few countries which has an integrated value chain, from bauxite mining all the way through to extrusion industries. Today, Australia is the world’s largest producer of bauxite, the largest exporter of alumina, and the seventh-largest producer of aluminium. Australia has more than 60 years of technical experience in bauxite mining, alumina refining, and primary aluminium smelting, which not only helps us, but...
“Casting is good one day, bad the next. But we haven’t changed anything. The most common complaint from casthouses and inconsistency of grain refiner plays a big part”, John Courtenay, Chairman and CEO, MQP
Studying metallurgy at the University of Aston, John started at Foseco International, working his way through ONC, HNC and LIM, before being seconded to Foseco Canada for three years to work on an exciting new product for steel continuous casting plants, going on hold a number of International marketing and technical positions before joining Foseco Japan as general manager of their steel mills division, returning to Foseco International in 1983. In 1986, he switched from steel to aluminium, starting a long association with aluminium casthouse technology as director of technology and marketing of Foseco Aluminium. After selling this business to Pyotek, he used his experience to form MQP Limited, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020. AlCircle: What is MQP’s process to make...
“Epsilon has a customer base spanning 22 countries and is dedicated to providing innovative and high-quality carbon products”, Saiprasad Jadhav, Group CEO, Epsilon Carbon
Saiprasad Jadhav looks after the overall business operations of the Group. He has around three decades of experience, more than a decade in an entrepreneurial career. During his tenure of entrepreneurship, he had run two manufacturing facilities for Fluorine-based speciality chemicals & active pharma ingredients and pharma formulations, respectively. In his association with Epsilon, Saiprasad Jadhav has been instrumental in setting-up greenfield capacity for the Carbon Black business with a capacity of 115,000 TPA & has been mentoring the management team for the subsidiary company, Epsilon Advanced Material Private Limited in establishing Anode material business. Prior to joining Epsilon Carbon, he was associated with Deepak Nitrite Ltd as President – Fine & Speciality Division. AlCircle:...
