The aluminium sector is currently juggling a variety of challenges and recent developments, from unexpected operational hiccups to strategic investments and innovations aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Recent news highlights everything from plant incidents and sustainability achievements to technological advancements, infrastructure tests and shifts in the global market. Major events and partnerships are also showcasing the industry's commitment to circularity, electrification and cleaner production methods. All these changes illustrate how companies throughout the value chain are adapting to new regulatory demands, shifting supply dynamics and ambitious decarbonisation targets.

Uncertainties requiring attention

A fire broke out because of an equipment explosion at the Novelis aluminium recycling plant in Greensboro, Georgia, on March 1. Due to this, the operations were briefly halted while crews assessed and cleaned up the damaged areas. Although the fire caused some harm to the baghouse and cold-end equipment, there were no injuries or environmental concerns after air quality checks were conducted. To keep things running smoothly, the company tapped into its recycling and casting capabilities at other facilities, as well as third-party casting centres. After some restoration work, the plant was able to resume casting operations on March 4, getting everything back on track.

Constellium’s 2025 Sustainability Report reflects the efforts in expanding recycling efforts and reducing operational carbon emissions; however, there are still some structural challenges within the aluminium value chain. The company successfully lowered its Scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity to 0.57 tCO₂e per tonne shipped, which is a 14 per cent decrease from the previous year and 19 per cent below the baseline set in 2021. In 2025, recycled aluminium represented 47 per cent of the metal input, totalling about 717 thousand tonnes, exceeding their 2026 target. Uncover the complete scoop here.

Weekly Recap: Recycled AL & Sustainability by AL Circle Pvt Ltd

Innovation: The core of the AL industry

A plasma torch system for Constellium, designed to help electrify aluminium remelting furnaces by replacing traditional fuel-based heating with a more environmentally friendly option, has been manufactured by PyroGenesis. The technology is being sent to Constellium's facility in Europe, where installation will start with the assistance of PyroGenesis’ engineering team. The operations are estimated to start by the second quarter of 2026.

Milan, with Amsa, A2A Ambiente, Cial and Nespresso, is starting a new system, letting the residents give their aluminium coffee capsules into yellow bags designated for multi-material waste collection. These capsules will further be sent to the upgraded Muggiano plant, where cutting-edge sorting technology will help recover lightweight aluminium packaging. Post this step, the capsules will undergo washing and pyrolysis to handle any coffee residues and produce syngas.

At Crown Packaging Manufacturing’s beverage can plant in Seville, Spain, a photovoltaic solar energy system has been set up. This aligns with the firm's larger sustainability plan, aiming for 100 per cent renewable electricity across all its global operations by 2040, as outlined in their Twentyby30 initiative. The EU’s NextGenerationEU programme provided EUR 201,125.16 under Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, where the system is now fully operational.

Stories highlighting recent expansion & recent development  

Arconic invested USD 175 million for the “Pit 10” casthouse expansion at the Davenport Works facility in Iowa. This project will ramp up aluminium ingot casting capacity, boosting scrap recycling efforts and enhancing energy efficiency and resulting in reinforced domestic manufacturing. With support from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the expansion also features a brand-new saw designed to improve both operational efficiency and safety.

Brazil’s antitrust authority, CADE, approved Rio Tinto and the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) to jointly acquire a controlling stake in Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA). This approval clears the last regulatory hurdle for a deal which was being signed back in January 2026. Both companies will be purchasing the stake from Grupo Votorantim for USD 910 million. The investment will be organised through a joint venture, with a Chinalco subsidiary holding 67 per cent and Rio Tinto taking 33 per cent.

Rio Tinto and Prysmian started an industrial trial to create low-carbon aluminium cables specifically for data centre infrastructure. This collaboration brings together Rio Tinto’s innovative low-carbon aluminium and Prysmian’s expertise in cable manufacturing. For this project, Rio Tinto will craft the aluminium rod using metal sourced from its hydropowered Alma smelter in Quebec, along with aluminium produced through ELYSIS smelting technology. This technology will eliminate direct greenhouse gas emissions by releasing oxygen instead of CO₂.

Imports & exports

India's imported aluminium scrap prices jumped in the week leading up to March 10, 2026. This surge is owed to the rising prices on the London Metal Exchange (LME) and ongoing geopolitical tensions that are affecting logistics in the region. As reported by BigMint, the cost for US-origin Taint Tabor (HRB 2–3 per cent) scrap at CFR Nhava Sheva rose by USD 130 per tonne, reaching USD 2,580/t. Similarly, UK-origin Wheel scrap increased by USD 140 per tonne, now priced at USD 3,190/t.

Event focused on Recycled AL & Sustainability

The Water & Waste Sustainability Summit 2026, hosted by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry along with Water Today at the Chennai Trade Centre, brought together policymakers, industry leaders, academics and tech innovators to push forward circular economy solutions in water and waste management throughout India. The main agenda of the summit was to align policies, secure climate finance, promote sustainable technologies and foster collaborative frameworks aimed at boosting resource efficiency, reusing wastewater and implementing zero-waste models. Know more.

The Bharat Electricity Summit 2026, which focuses on the power and electricity sector, will take place from March 19 to 22, 2026, at Yashobhoomi in New Delhi. Ideal for policymakers, industry leaders, investors and tech providers to come together and explore opportunities for the future of electricity systems and clean energy. Announced by Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, this four-day event carries the theme “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally.” With over 50 conference sessions, thematic pavilions and technology showcases, this event opens a stage for all the attendees. Learn more.

Henkel Adhesive Technologies will showcase its cutting-edge sustainable metal packaging innovations at METPACK 2026. These packaging solutions boost efficiency, transparency and decarbonisation in can manufacturing. The showcase will also include the Bonderite E-CO smart process control system and the CanLine audit application, both aimed at optimising production performance. Moreover, the firm will also unveil next-generation water-based can sealants from the Darex range, along with advanced surface treatment technologies that are designed to cut down on energy, water and chemical use.