"Aluminium is considered a strategic material for the transition to a low-carbon economy and for securing a strong and sustainable base industry." Janaina Donas Executive president of ABAL (Brazilian Aluminum Association).

Janaina has great experience in the Corporate Affairs market with a demonstrated history of working in the mining, metals, and infrastructure industries. Skilled in Public Affairs, Crisis Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Governmental Affairs, and Crisis Communications. Strong Community and social services with an MBA focused in Business Management from Ibmec Business School.

AL Circle: How has the demand for flat-rolled products evolved within the Brazilian aluminium market over the past few years?

Janaina Donas: According to data from ABAL's Aluminium Statistical Yearbook (Brazilian Aluminium Association), the production of aluminium sheets has increased by 20,6% over the last 10 years, from 585 tonnes in 2014, reaching 706 tonnes last year. From a consumption perspective, aluminium sheet products grew by 19,4%, from 597 tonnes in 2014 to 713 tonnes last year.

AL Circle: What are the key drivers behind this growth?

Janaina Donas: The Packaging segment consumed more than 561 thousand tonnes, representing 38% of the total.  Going down to consumption details, the Packaging segment continues to be the largest consumer of processed aluminium products, with more than 561 thousand tonnes, representing 38% of the total. Its volume, however, fell 8.6% compared to 2022, in an environment of greater competition with other materials.

The Transport segment, the second largest consumer of the metal, reached 275.0 thousand tonnes, with a drop of 2.4% compared to the previous year, partly due to the difficulties of the national light vehicle industry in recovering 2019 production levels , attributed to a more restricted domestic market, the reduction in exports and the rapid popularisation of electrified vehicles.

In the heavy vehicle industry, there was the impact of the adoption of Proconve P8, a change in engine standardisation, which made trucks and buses more efficient, encouraging the anticipation of production in 2022 and a “hangover effect” in 2023.

The Consumer Goods segment was responsible for 137.0 thousand tonnes, with a slight reduction of 1.7% compared to the 139.3 thousand tonnes consumed in the previous year. Rolled and extruded aluminium products are the most used in this segment.

AL Circle: What role do flat rolled products play in Brazil's aluminium value chain, particularly in sectors such as automotive, packaging, and construction?

Janaina Donas: The growth opportunities and demand drivers for the aluminium sector in Brazil will be concentrated in: Read the full interview here.