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 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...
AL Circle x Kirsty Davies-Chinnock: Women entering aluminium sector, develop your network and make yourself visible
In conversation with, Kirsty Davies-Chinnock, a visionary leader, award-winning manufacturer, and trailblazer for gender inclusion in the metals and industrial sectors. After a serendipitous start in metal finishing in 1989, she rose through the ranks to lead a company through economic storms, and now channels her experience into Women With Metal, a movement and annual conference amplifying women’s voices in manufacturing. As host of the Women in Industry podcast and founder of The Confidence Collective, Kirsty empowers professionals through storytelling, mentorship, and community. From boardrooms to workshops, she leverages her expertise and conviction to redefine leadership—one bold step at a time. AL Circle: Can you tell us about your journey in the metals, manufacturing & engineering...
AL Circle x Göksal GÜNGÖR: Driving aluminium sustainability through recycling, renewables and adaptive production strategies
In an interview for " ALUEXPO 2025 & Beyond ", Göksal GÜNGÖR outlines how Assan Alüminyum decarbonisation roadmap is steering the company toward carbon neutrality by 2050. With Europe’s largest continuous casting capacity, strong renewable energy investments and innovative recycling-friendly alloys, the company demonstrates agility in balancing market volatility while advancing sustainability. By leveraging integrated recycling operations, Scope 2 neutrality and ASI certification, Assan enhances customer trust and market access. Beyond operations, its ESG initiatives, ranging from biodiversity preservation to community empowerment, further strengthen stakeholder relations, reinforcing its leadership in delivering sustainable, high-quality flat-rolled aluminium globally. AL Circle: Assan...
AL Circle x FIMI Machinery: Innovation, digital solutions, and sustainable aluminium processing excellence
FIMI Machinery shares how its customer-centric, innovative approach drives tailored plant engineering and long-term partnerships. The company emphasizes cutting-edge solutions like the “FIMI Digital” platform for remote monitoring, advanced aluminium strip degreasing, and turnkey lines for sectors such as automotive, packaging, and aerospace. Showcasing flexibility, high efficiency, and sustainability, FIMI demonstrates its commitment to optimised operations, environmental responsibility, and ongoing customer support across the aluminium industry. In an interview for “ ALUEXPO: 2025 & BEYOND” e-Magazine, FIMI Machinery stated its focus on delivering high-tech aluminium processing solutions and long-term customer value AL Circle: How do your core values—innovation, customer-centricity, and...
AL Circle x Norsk Hydro: Scrap, technology, and renewable energy drive our decarbonisation operations
In an exclusive conversation, Bjørn Kjetil Mauritzen, Senior Vice President and Head of Sustainability at Hydro, underscored the company’s unwavering commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. He outlined clear interim goals of cutting emissions by 10 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030, based on 2018 levels. According to Mauritzen, Hydro is driving this transition through three main strategies - expanding post-consumer scrap recycling, advancing breakthrough technologies like carbon capture and zero-emission smelting, and accelerating the use of renewable energy while boosting efficiency. Dive into the full interview to explore his insights in detail. AL Circle: Hydro has long positioned itself as a sustainability leader in the aluminium industry. Could you share your...
Al Circle x Window Magic: How aluminium is redefining India’s fenestration future
In conversation with Mr Manish Bansal, the Director and CEO of Window Magic highlights aluminium’s pivotal role in reshaping India’s architectural and fenestration industry, offering strength, design flexibility, and sustainability compared to traditional materials. He notes its recyclability, energy-efficient technologies, and alignment with global trends like minimalistic frames, unitised curtain walls, and dynamic façades. With European technology raising performance standards and digital tools like BIM and smart glass driving precision and efficiency, aluminium is positioned as the material of choice for future-ready buildings. Backed by Window Magic’s sustainability initiatives, diversification, and innovation-driven culture, Bansal sees aluminium as central to India’s construction...
AL Circle x Rafael Aun Ming: Driving global aluminium packaging standards through sustainability, certification and consumer trust
Rafael Aun Ming, Founder and Chairman of Açaí Motion Group, has scaled his authentic Brazilian beverage brand to over 60 countries. A visionary entrepreneur and advocate for sustainability, he pioneered the use of ASI-certified aluminum cans in Brazil with Ball Corporation. His mission is to share the vibrant energy of the Amazon through high-quality products while championing ethical sourcing and the circular economy. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ”, Ming highlights the company’s landmark partnership with Ball Corporation to launch Brazil’s first ASI-certified aluminium cans. He discusses how aluminium packaging strengthens consumer trust, ensures product quality, and enables global scalability while aligning with sustainability values. Rafael also...
AL Circle x ALEMAI: More than 250 aluminium extrusion plants are at risk due to cheap imports in India, points out Jitendra Chopra
At an exclusive interview with Mr Jitendra Chopra, President of ALEMAI, he has pointed out that enhancing domestic consumption is the way forward for the Indian aluminium extrusion industry to grow and offset the pressures created by external tariffs. He believes that India Government should reiterate and take strong measures agaisnt the tariffs and cheap imports to safeguard its 250 aluminium extrusion manufacturers. Mr Chopra has also highlighted that India's aluminium extrusion industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8%, revealing the key drivers. Read the full interview here: AL Circle: What is your outlook on the growth of aluminium extrusion demand in India? Which key industries do you expect will drive this growth in the coming years? Jitendra Chopra : India is fast emerging as...
AL Circle x Ajay Balakrishna: Schon Doorways on aluminium’s design, performance and global market potential
Founded in 2013 by Ajay Balakrishna, Schon Doorways combines German engineering with Indian innovation. Trusted by 5,000+ architects and 250,000+ homeowners across 200+ cities, they offer stylish, strong, and sustainable solutions—from ultra-slim aluminium doors and windows to custom railings, partitions, and shower cubicles. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ” e-Magazine, Ajay Balakrishna shared how aluminium has evolved from a structural material to a design-forward, high-performance solution in modern architecture. He further highlights trends like slimline profiles, modular systems and energy-efficient façades and how Schon adapts Indian-made aluminium systems for international markets through co-engineering, customisation and compliance with global...
AL Circle x Jagannath Prasad: Runaya charts 5x growth path, backed by partnerships, tech & green energy
With nearly two decades of rich industry experience, Jagannath Prasad Routray serves as the CEO of Green Aluminium Recovery & Diversified Metal Recovery Businesses. His steadfast dedication to building a greener, empowered, and sustainable future has been the driving force behind the many milestones he has achieved throughout his career. In this interview, He highlighted Runaya’s rapid growth from INR 500 crore in FY24 to a target of INR 2,500 crore by FY28, which is driven by a clear focus on circularity, efficiency, and sustainable practices backed by capital investments, partnerships, in-house technology, and renewable energy. Side by side, Mr Jagannath Prasad also shared his vision of how Runaya’s legacy is proving that Indian manufacturing can be clean, inclusive, and globally...
AL Circle x Andrew Perchard: Insights on US aluminium history, government policy and global industry dynamics
Andrew Perchard, PhD and the Honorary Research Professor at Otago Business School, University of Otago and Visiting Professor at Birkbeck, University of London. An expert in the global aluminium industry, he has authored key industry histories, advised leading aluminium bodies and served on the Scientific Council of the Institut pour l’Histoire de l’Aluminium, Paris. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ”, Perchard explored the historical evolution of the US aluminium industry, highlighting Reynolds Metals’ rise, government-industry collaborations, wartime expansion and the strategic role of energy and trade in shaping North America’s aluminium supply chain and global influence. AL Circle: Given your study of Reynolds’ absorption by Alcoa in 2000, do you see...
AL Circle x Anthony Tropeano: US aluminium buyers shift focus to value, reliability and sustainable solutions
Anthony Tropeano, President of TT Consulting Inc. and a veteran of 45 years in the ferrous and non-ferrous metals industry, shares his insights on the evolving US aluminium market. Drawing on his extensive global experience and network, he highlights a shift among buyers from focusing solely on price to considering total cost of ownership, reliability and value-added services. Tropeano also reflects on the effects of tariffs, the gradual emergence of green premiums and the importance of stronger industry messaging. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ”, Tropeano highlights the evolving US aluminium market, where buyers increasingly prioritise total cost of ownership, reliability and value-added services over just price. He discusses the impact of tariffs,...
AL Circle x EPIQ Machinery: Driving efficient, safe and automated material handling in aluminium production
Yannick Beaulé, Chief Revenue Officer at EPIQ Machinery since 2021, brings extensive expertise in sales, operations, and general management for industrial equipment and technical solutions. He has successfully led multi-site teams, launched service centres, developed new products and markets, and negotiated key client partnerships. Marty DeGoey, Sr. Applications Specialist at EPIQ Machinery, leverages 25 years of experience in material handling for the aluminium industry, having contributed to innovative solutions at Alcoa and Advanced Dynamics. He continues to drive handling solutions that influence US aluminium operations. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ” e-Magazine, both Yannick and Marty discussed how EPIQ Machinery is addressing operational...
AL Circle x Elliot Mari: The journey of aluminium towards decarbonisation, 25% of low-carbon target achieved and way to go
In conversation with Elliot Mari, a Technical Lead for material industries at the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA), wherein he has shed his insights into the aluminium industry's decarbonisation journey. He has several years of experience working on industry decarbonisation roadmaps with a focus on the cement, steel and aluminium sectors in France. Elliot also worked as a reservoir engineer at Oil & Gas major TotalEnergies in Angola. He holds a Master of Engineering Science from the Ecole Centrale de Nantes in France and a Master of Sustainable Energy from the University of Queensland, Brisbane. AL Circle: What notable progress has the global aluminium industry made in its decarbonisation journey so far? How does the Industrial Transition Accelerator (ITA) contribute to the...
AL Circle x Judy Runge: Aluminium metallurgy, alloy design and collaboration drive modern anodising excellence
With extensive expertise in metallurgical engineering and surface science, Dr. Judy Runge brings proven experience in anodising, materials characterisation, failure analysis (FMEA), and aluminium surface treatment. Her strong background in product development, continuous improvement, and innovation supports industries in advancing manufacturing processes and enhancing material performance. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ” e-Magazine, Judy emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between alloy producers, designers and finishers, noting that anodising is often treated as a surface coating rather than a structural growth tied to alloy quality. By integrating finishing considerations early in product design, industries can avoid performance gaps and...
AL Circle x Sunit Kapur: Epsilon’s US facility secures sustainable, local anode supply for EV growth
Sunit Kapur is a seasoned business leader in the manufacturing sector with deep expertise in P&L management, supply chain, product development, and customer success. With extensive global and domestic experience, he brings strategic insights across diverse industries, including the automotive sector, driving operational excellence and business growth. In an interview for “ American Aluminium Industry: The Path Forward ” e-Magazine, Sunit Kapur discussed Epsilon Advanced Materials’ USD 650M North Carolina graphite anode facility, aimed at strengthening the US EV battery supply chain. He highlighted the plant’s 30,000 TPA production capacity, localising supply, reducing import dependence, and supporting EV OEMs in meeting clean energy incentives. Kapur also emphasised the integration of...
