Beyond aluminium smelting capacity, we propose to incentivise emissions cuts to support wider decarbonisation: Ed Boyd, Mission Possible Partnership
As the European Council seeks political alignment on the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), the debate over how to accelerate aluminium decarbonisation in bringing emissions accounting and demand for low-carbon metal into focus. Against the backdrop of Mission Possible Partnership’s (MPP) open letter, AL Circle speaks with Ed Boyd, MPP’s Global Policy Lead, about the policies needed to support the European aluminium industry’s transition. Boyd argues that effective decarbonisation must account for emissions from alumina refining and track Scope 2 emissions associated with purchased electricity. On mandatory green procurement and lead-market thresholds of at least 50 per cent for aluminium, he says producers are ready to supply low-carbon metal at scale and considers the proposed threshold...
EU-India FTA, CBAM and carbon costs: Can Indian aluminium crack the European market?
A former Deputy Secretary General of the European Parliament and Director of the EPP Group, Paolo Licandro, has extensive experience in European policymaking, international relations, industry, energy and EU affairs. He is currently the Founder and CEO of eEuropa Belgium and Editor of eEuropa.Blog. He has worked with European prime ministers, ministers and EU commissioners and has held senior roles covering EU enlargement, Mediterranean and Middle East relations, and industry, research and energy. A nuclear engineer, he holds a master’s degree from Politecnico di Milano and has worked with ENI, ARS-Pragma and the EU Joint Research Centre. In this interview, Paolo Licandro shares his perspective on EU–India aluminium trade, CBAM and the opportunities for Indian producers in Europe. AL...
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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...
AL Circle x Rodabell: Driving innovative and sustainable aluminium casting solutions with global reach and advanced engineering
Rodabell is a global leader in aluminium casting solutions, operating from Spain and Bahrain with over 140 employees. The company specialises in designing and supplying advanced systems, consumables and tools for aluminium casting, combining innovation, flexibility and end-to-end service. Rodabell’s strategic focus on R&D, sustainability and international market expansion enables it to deliver cutting-edge, low-carbon solutions while growing its global footprint. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ”, Rodabell details its engineering capabilities in designing and managing casting lines, offering onsite optimisation, training and multipurpose mechanical solutions. It focuses on automation, energy efficiency, eco-friendly materials and Industry 4.0 trends reinforces its commitment...
AL Circle x Aydınlar Refrakter: Insights on engineering-led refractory innovation and sustainability
Founded in the 1950s, Aydınlar Refrakter has evolved from a firebrick installation and furnace repair business into a leading Turkish refractory manufacturer operating in a modern 8,000 m² facility with a 60-ton daily capacity. Serving key sectors such as iron and steel, aluminium, cement, ceramics, and petrochemicals, the company offers a comprehensive range of castables, ramming masses, gunning mixes, precast shapes, and insulation materials. Beyond products, Aydınlar Refrakter distinguishes itself through end-to-end engineering, design, and technical services, all underpinned by a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and energy efficiency. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ” e-Magazine, Aydınlar Refrakter has shared its evolution from a traditional refractory...
AL Circle x Metallicco: Europe’s aluminium producers brace for CBAM & rising energy costs
AL Circle: European aluminium producers are facing a convergence of rising energy costs and CBAM enforcement. From your recent projects, what percentage of production cost do energy-intensive processes like smelting and refining represent? Can MetAllic's process redesign realistically tip the cost balance in favour of EU-based production? Erman Car: In the past, we only considered raw material, energy and labour costs when calculating the cost of production. Now, carbon and health & safety costs must be considered. In this context, MetAllic offers three important services: Our main expertise is recycling, in which we both design customer-specific (tailor-made) processes and offer state-of-the-art technological solutions also to produce low grade scrap with our partners. We design the...
