The Middle East is transitioning significantly towards a more sustainable aluminium industry, propelled by both environmental concerns and economic imperatives. With abundant energy resources and a growing awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship, countries in the region are increasingly investing in cleaner and more efficient production methods. This shift includes adopting advanced technologies such as renewable energy-powered smelters, implementing stringent emissions controls, and optimising resource usage throughout production. Furthermore, there's a burgeoning emphasis on recycling and circular economy principles to minimise waste and reduce the reliance on primary aluminium production. As a result, the Middle East is poised not only to meet its aluminium demand sustainably but also to emerge as a global leader in environmentally responsible aluminium production, contributing to regional prosperity and global climate goals.
EEG collected 11,254 kg of aluminium cans for recycling, reaching 97.6% of its 2023 goal
Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) collected 11,254 kg of aluminium cans for recycling in its 27th cycle of "Can Collection Drive." The group aimed to collect 27,500 kilograms of aluminium cans by the beginning of 2023, and it has achieved 97.6% of its goal by collecting 26,831 kg. The initiative is essential to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and EEG aims to set a standard for others in the country to follow.
ASI welcomed Oman Aluminium Processing Industries as a Production & Transformation member
Oman Aluminium Processing Industries SPC (OAPIL) has been added to Aluminium Stewardship Initiative's Production and Transformation membership. OAPIL is a leading aluminium rod and overhead line conductor manufacturer in Oman, established in 2008 as a joint venture between Oman Cables Industry SAOG and Takamul Investments Co (SAOC). The company is committed to environmental responsibility and creating solutions for global energy transition while providing quality value-added products and strong customer support.
EGA initiates construction of UAE's largest aluminium recycling plant
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's leading producer of 'premium aluminium,' has officially begun the construction of the largest aluminium recycling plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The facility, set to process 170 thousand tonnes of aluminium annually, will be adjacent to EGA's existing smelter in Al Taweelah. Industry analysts foresee a significant surge in global demand for recycled aluminium, projecting an increase from 27 million tonnes per year in 2022 to 57 million tonnes by 2040. This growth is expected to constitute approximately 60 per cent of the global aluminium supply increase between 2022 and 2030 and around 70 per cent between 2030 and 2040. The recycling plant is designed to transform post-consumer aluminium scrap, including used window frames, and pre-consumer aluminium scrap from extrusion production into premium aluminium billets with low-carbon and high-quality characteristics. Currently, a substantial amount of aluminium scrap generated in the UAE is exported for processing outside the country, causing economic losses at the national level. With the completion of the recycling plant, EGA aims to become the largest consumer of aluminium scrap in the UAE, further contributing to the nation's economic growth.
EEG recognised RAKEZ for its dedication to recycling glass bottles and aluminium cans
Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) has been recognised for its outstanding achievements in the 'Glass Collection Campaign' and 'Can Collection Campaign' at the Emirates Recycling Awards hosted by Emirates Environmental Group (EEG). RAKEZ collected 15,056 kilograms of glass bottles and 488 kilograms of aluminium cans, which were handed over to the EEG team for recycling. These achievements reflect RAKEZ's commitment to sustainability and driving sustainable practices within RAKEZ's operations.
Alba becomes the first Middle Eastern company to acquire ASI Performance Standard (V3) Certification for its smelter
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has become the first smelter in the Middle East to acquire the latest version of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative's (ASI) Performance Standard Certificate. The certification is valid for three years starting from August 2023 and acknowledges the production and marketing of primary aluminium from alumina, calcination of petroleum coke, water desalination, anode manufacturing, smelting, casting, and captive power generation at Alba's calciner and smelter sites in Bahrain.
EGA joined Sea Cargo Charter to lead the way in sustainable shipping
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) is the first Middle East company and aluminium producer to join the Sea Cargo Charter. This initiative promotes sustainability in shipping and maritime activities and aligns with EGA's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. EGA ships around 22 million tonnes of aluminium, bauxite, and raw materials worldwide annually, which substantially impacts its carbon footprint. By joining the Sea Cargo Charter, EGA aims to improve its performance and achieve its goal of reaching net zero from supply chain activities by 2050.
UAE's Coffee Planet became the proud winner of four Middle Eastern Awards
Coffee Planet, a UAE-based premium coffee maker, has won four prestigious awards in the Middle East, including the 'UAE Superbrand' title and two awards at the Middle East Management Excellence Awards. The brand has recently introduced aluminium coffee pods to highlight its sustainability goals. Coffee Planet provides speciality coffee to five-star hotels, airlines, offices, and restaurants, as well as retail outlets and online channels. The company is committed to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction and has recently added three new members to its leadership team to strengthen its market position.
The strategic partnership between Array Technologies and ALUPCO® illuminates MENA's clean energy future
Array Technologies, a global leader in solar tracking, has partnered with Aluminium Products Company (ALUPCO®), an aluminium extrusion company, to advance clean energy in the Middle East and North African region (MENA). This partnership supports the Saudi Vision 2030 plan to add 20GW of renewable energy annually, aiming for 130GW before 2030. The Private Sector Forum in Riyadh provided a conducive environment for Array to expand its global footprint and establish strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia. With the high solar irradiation in Saudi Arabia and ambitious renewable energy projects in the pipeline, the prospects for clean energy in the region are promising.
GCC's green investment drive may pave the way for a $13 trillion economy by 2050
Investing in green projects can boost the Gulf countries' GDP to $13 trillion by 2050. The region could also attract $300 billion in foreign investment if it becomes a central hub for eco-friendly industries. The shift towards a low-carbon economy has gained momentum, and the renewable energy sector is expected to attract trillions of dollars in investments. The UAE has invested over $40 billion in clean energy projects and plans to invest an additional $163.5 billion in renewable energy sources over the next three decades.
Dubai's Wasl Tower picks aluminium to become the most sustainable construction in UAE
Dubai's skyline welcomed a new addition - a 64-storey building known as the Wasl Tower, which is clad in 100% recyclable aluminium and is the world's tallest construction that uses ceramic fins for energy conservation. The tower's innovative approach aligns with the UAE's Year of Sustainability, reflecting the country's commitment to climate goals. The tower encompasses residential apartments, offices, restaurants, a Mandarin Oriental hotel, and a swimming pool, all designed with safety, sustainability, and energy efficiency in mind. With its impressive architectural design, energy-efficient features, and luxurious amenities, the Wasl Tower is poised to become a new landmark in Dubai's skyline.
Dubai hosted COP28: Unveiling sustainable solutions for a greener tomorrow
The world turned its attention to Dubai from November 30 to December 12, 2023, as the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP28, was held at Expo City. This event aimed to evaluate global efforts on climate action and develop an actionable plan to address gaps in progress. The COP28 Green Zone invited visitors to explore climate innovations, technology, exhibits, art installations, film screenings, and talks spread across Expo City Dubai.
BMW's sustainable drive for a greener future at COP28 UAE
BMW Group was the VIP E-Mobility Provider for the UN climate action summit, COP28, from November 30 to December 12, 2023. The fleet featured the BMW i7, BMW iX, and the BMW iX5 Hydrogen for VIP guests and officials. BMW's commitment to sustainability is evident across its value chain, including emissions reduction, electrification, circular economy principles, and exploration of alternative fuels like hydrogen. The BMW i7 has been crafted using sustainably sourced solar electrons while the BMW iX embodies circular design. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is a pilot fleet designed for demonstration and trial purposes that showcases BMW's potential to diversify its drive portfolio for a future that embraces alternative fuels and powertrain options.
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