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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AL Circle x Wang Bo Yi: Innovating aluminium sustainability with nanoceramic coatings that cut carbon, enhance efficiency and extend lifespan
Mr. Wang Bo Yi, the Founder of Hunan Bable Material Technology Co., Ltd., leads a technology-driven enterprise pioneering energy-saving materials for the metallurgical sector. With a mission rooted in low-carbon innovation, his company’s breakthrough nanoceramic coating technology is revolutionising electrolytic aluminium production by improving efficiency, reducing emissions and promoting sustainable industrial practices globally. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Wang highlights Bable’s groundbreaking nanoceramic-based high-temperature antioxidation coating that significantly reduces carbon consumption and emissions in electrolytic aluminium production. It explores the company’s real-world applications, measurable results in...
AL Circle x Cátilo Cândido: Brazil’s aluminium can industry leads global sustainability with innovation, recycling and decarbonisation goals
Cátilo Cândido, CEO of Abralatas, is a seasoned public affairs leader with over two decades of experience in driving Brazil’s aluminium can industry toward sustainable growth. Recognised among Brazil’s most admired professionals, he champions innovation, circularity and low-carbon practices within the sector. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Cândido walked through Brazil’s remarkable aluminium can journey, from record-high recycling rates and renewable energy use to groundbreaking campaigns like LataCadabra, while highlighting Abralatas’ leadership in sustainability, market expansion and decarbonisation efforts shaping the industry’s future. AL Circle: Brazil’s aluminium can industry is a global leader, especially with its use of...
AL Circle x Dr.-Ing. Oliver Moos: CETAG’s sustainable casthouse solutions focus on reducing dross generation and maximising aluminium recovery
Dr.-Ing. Oliver Moos, Managing Director of CETAG AG, brings decades of expertise in aluminium casthouse technology, offering innovative, cost-efficient and sustainable process solutions through global consulting, project management and equipment design. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Dr.-Ing. Oliver Moos delves into CETAG’s approach to enhancing sustainability in aluminium casting, emphasising dross reduction, efficient metal recovery, process optimisation and digital advancements for achieving near-zero landfill operations. AL Circle: How does your aluminium casthouse technology contribute to sustainability in the casting process? What are its key features, and how do they stand apart from conventional technologies available in...
AL Circle x Paweł Rutecki: Advancing circular aluminium and decarbonisation through innovation, recycling and renewable transformation
Dr. Paweł Rutecki, VP of R&I and Sustainability at Gränges Europe, brings over two decades of metallurgical expertise and academic excellence. With a strong background in product innovation, investment strategy and sustainability, he leads Gränges’ transition toward a circular, low-carbon aluminium future while aligning research, technology and business competitiveness. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Paweł Rutecki underscores Gränges’ sustainability vision anchored in recycling, renewable energy and transparent carbon reporting. It highlights the company’s milestone of surpassing its 2025 recycling target, its SBTi-validated emission goals for 2030 and 2040 and the pivotal role of its Gränges Endure low-carbon product line in...
AL Circle x Isabelle Gaudreau: Driving aluminium sustainability through automation, modular design and smart industrial technologies
Isabelle Gaudreau, Marketing Director at EPIQ Machinery, leads global marketing and communications strategies following the merger of Mecfor and Advanced Dynamics. With industry experience since 2006, her expertise bridges technical understanding and creative communication, positioning the company as a key innovator in sustainable aluminium technologies. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Isabelle sheds light on how EPIQ Machinery integrates sustainability at the design stage via automation, modular systems and data-driven intelligence with the aim to enhance productivity, recycling efficiency, and energy optimisation in both primary and secondary aluminium operations. It also explores the company’s vision for advancing circular...
Al Circle x Daniel Lim: ALCOM drives sustainable aluminium innovation through recycled inputs, digitalisation and low-carbon manufacturing leadership
Mr. Daniel Lim, Sales and Marketing Director at ALCOM, brings over two decades of expertise in aluminium and manufacturing. He leads ALCOM’s commercial strategy and global market expansion, positioning the company as a pioneer in sustainability with full Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) certification across all product ranges. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Daniel Lim highlights ALCOM’s commitment to sustainability through increased recycled aluminium usage, low-carbon production, and digital transformation. It underscores how ALCOM integrates ESG principles, automation, and innovation to enhance efficiency and support Malaysia’s transition towards a circular aluminium economy. AL Circle: What is your outlook on the demand growth...
AL Circle x John Courtenay: Empowering casthouses to achieve peak efficiency with next-generation sustainable grain refiners
John Courtenay, Chairman of MQP, is a metallurgist with over four decades of global experience in aluminium casthouse technology. Having begun his career at Foseco International, he founded MQP in 2000 to revolutionise melt quality and grain refinement solutions that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and product performance across the aluminium value chain. He shares insights on how advanced grain refinement and digital innovations are reshaping aluminium manufacturing towards greater efficiency, circularity and sustainability. In an interview for " Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ", John Courtenay discusses how MQP’s innovations, Optifine and Opticast, are redefining aluminium manufacturing by drastically reducing waste, emissions and energy consumption. He...
AL Circle x Khalid A. Latif: Inside Midal Cables’ blueprint for sustainable innovation, operational excellence and market leadership
Khalid A. Latif, CEO of Midal Cables since April 2024, brings over 35 years of aluminium industry expertise spanning operations, marketing and strategic leadership. A veteran of Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), he has a proven track record of driving growth, efficiency and global expansion. Under his leadership, Midal Cables continues to strengthen its international presence across Bahrain, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Canada and the UK, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability. In an interview for " Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ", Khalid A. Latif outlines Midal Cables’ strategic focus on sustainability, digitalisation and expansion. He highlights the launch of MiRecAL, the company’s certified green product line and its role in reducing carbon emissions and...
AL Circle x Gyorgy Banvolgyi: Advancing alumina refining efficiency and sustainability through the updated ILTD (UILTD) process
György Bánvölgyi, a Senior Process Consultant with extensive experience in research, development, and engineering for the bauxite processing and alumina industry, shared his perspectives with AL Circle at the recent IBAAS conference. He spoke about the evolution of the Updated Improved Low Temperature Digestion (UILTD) process and how it can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and support sustainability in alumina refining. AL Circle: What motivated you to develop and refine the Improved Low Temperature Digestion (ILTD) Process into the Updated ILTD (UILTD) version, and what key challenges in conventional Bayer process operations were you aiming to solve? Gyorgy Banvolgyi: The key issues with the Conventional Bayer process are as follow: The digester reactors of the Conventional Low...
AL Circle x Dr. Ashok Nandi: Powering India’s aluminium revolution with green tech and digital innovation
Dr. Ashok Nandi, President of the International Bauxite, Alumina & Aluminium Society (IBAAS), in an exclusive interview with AL Circle, discussed how India’s aluminium industry is shifting from efficiency gains to systemic transformation. He highlighted key drivers such as decarbonisation, circular economy practices, digitalisation, and the potential of nuclear energy for green aluminium. Dr. Nandi also emphasised IBAAS’s role in fostering collaboration, supporting emerging markets, and engaging young talent to advance sustainability across the aluminium value chain. AL Circle: As President of IBAAS, how do you see the Indian aluminium industry evolving in terms of sustainability and green technologies over the next decade? Dr. Ashok Nandi: India’s aluminium sector will move from...
AL Circle x Irina BAKHTINA: Path to low-carbon aluminium leadership through innovation, sustainability and circularity
Irina Bakhtina, Chief Sustainability Officer and Member of the Executive Board at RUSAL, brings over 30 years of leadership experience spanning public and private sectors, from mass media and banking to FMCG, metallurgy and power. A recognised advocate for responsible business and sustainability, she has been instrumental in founding initiatives such as the Sustainable Business Lab at SKOLKOVO Moscow School of Management, the Green Brands League under the Russian Quality System (Roskachestvo) and the Commission on Business Ethics of the Russian Managers Association. She also chairs the Supervisory Board of the National ESG Alliance and serves on the Advisory Board of the UN Global Compact Network Russia, reinforcing her commitment to advancing sustainable development and ethical business...
AL Circle x Tim Ebner: Driving higher US aluminium can recycling through community engagement, policy & innovative initiatives
Tim Ebner, Vice President of Communications & Marketing at the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), leads strategic communications to position aluminium beverage cans as the world’s most sustainable drink package. With prior experience at the American Forest & Paper Association and as senior editor of Associations Now, Ebner brings deep expertise in association leadership, marketing and advocacy. At CMI, he oversees campaigns like Every Can Counts US, combining grassroots initiatives, stakeholder collaboration and creative activations to drive recycling awareness and circularity across the United States. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Tim explored Every Can Counts US, a program aimed at boosting aluminium beverage can recycling...
AL Circle x Mark Annandale: Fair access to land and equitable share of benefits are key achieve sustainability
Mark Annandale, Director of Research and IPAF Adviser at the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), brings extensive experience in environmental science and community forestry. Based in Australia, he leads ASI’s research efforts and Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum, fostering collaboration between Indigenous communities, mining companies, and governments to promote responsible bauxite mining and sustainable practices across the aluminium value chain. In an interview for “ Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment ” e-Magazine, Mark Annandale discusses ASI’s key sustainability goals for 2025, focusing on expanding certifications, promoting circularity, and strengthening engagement with local communities. He emphasizes the importance of both recycling and automation in...
AL Circle x CETIZION Verifica: Driving sustainability and ESG excellence across the global aluminium industry
During an exclusive interview at the IBAAS Conference, Gangaa C. Sharma, Managing Director & CEO of CETIZION Verifica Pvt. Ltd., offered deep insights into the evolving landscape of the global aluminium industry, the growing momentum toward sustainability, and the critical role of ESG excellence in shaping the sector’s future. Read the full interview to explore his valuable insights and outlook on the industry. AL Circle: what is the core mission or value of CETIZION Verifica? Gangaa C Sharma: CETIZION Verifica, as a global company, our core mission is to work in the area of sustainability. And when we say sustainability, we are talking about governance issues like ethical conduct, metal stewardship, environmental issues, waste, water, energy, and human rights and labour issues. So, this...
AL Circle x Takuo Harato: Advancing sustainability and innovation in the global aluminium industry
In an interview during the IBAAS conference, Takuo Harato, Alumina Production Technology Consultant at AlTech Consultant, shared his views on the global aluminium industry, the pursuit of sustainability, and India’s growing role in this transition. AL Circle: What are the key sustainability challenges the global aluminium industry is grappling with today? Takuo Harato: The global aluminium industry’s main sustainability challenge lies in achieving carbon neutrality. While renewable energy is best to tackle the situation, sustainability goes beyond emissions — as resource use inevitably leads to depletion over time. And recycling of aluminium is, of course, very important. But even if we recycle aluminium, we need new aluminium. And the aluminium should be green. Also, how we use low-grade...
AL Circle x CitiUS: Insights on energy-efficient furnaces, automation and global aluminium foundry trends
CitiUS delivers end-to-end aluminium foundry and heat treatment solutions, from custom furnace design to supply, construction and in-house commissioning. With decades of expertise, the firm has combined high-efficiency, low-energy systems with European-quality components, serving diverse industries including aerospace, automotive, defence and hard-alloy production. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ”, CitiUS shared its approach to energy-efficient, automated and sustainable furnace solutions, sourcing strategies, bespoke applications and their ability to accelerate project timelines. It also highlights emerging market trends, client demands for electrification and how CitiUS positions itself to meet growing aluminium foundry and heat treatment needs globally. AL Circle: Furnaces...
AL Circle x SIMVIC: Driving aluminium recycling innovation through AI, automation and smart factory solutions
SIMVIC Group is a global leader in advanced metal recycling technologies, specialising in customised aluminium recycling solutions. Through AI, LIBS and smart factory automation, the company enhances recovery efficiency, purity and traceability across diverse aluminium scrap streams. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ” SIMVIC highlights its commitment to circular aluminium recycling, showcasing its AI-driven sorting, digital twin systems and modular upgrades that deliver up to 99.5% purity and over 95% recovery rates. The discussion also explores SIMVIC’s strategic focus on global partnerships and zero-carbon recycling plants to shape a sustainable aluminium future. AL Circle: The recycled aluminium supply chain is often constrained by feedstock variability. How do SIMVIC’s...
AL Circle x Yiğit Kasapoğlu: Transforming industries with RUSAL’s sustainable aluminium solutions
RUSAL, a global aluminium leader, delivers low-carbon, high-quality products across key industries, including automotive, packaging and electrical applications. With advanced technologies, circular economy initiatives and a strong presence in Türkiye, RUSAL ensures stability, sustainability and reliable supply for partners worldwide. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ”, Yiğit Kasapoğlu emphasised RUSAL’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and customer collaboration. He highlighted breakthroughs like inert anode technology, energy-efficient upgrades and low-carbon PEFA alloys, demonstrating how RUSAL helps partners meet decarbonisation goals while maintaining performance and quality in a volatile global market. AL Circle: Can you please brief us some of your latest...
