Europe’s aluminium scrap exports to the US have risen by 243 per cent, highlighting a growing concern over the continent’s access to strategic raw materials as it pursues recycling, decarbonisation and industrial competitiveness. Evangelos Mytilineos, Executive Chairman of METLEN, raised the issue, linking scrap outflows to the broader challenges facing European industry, energy security and strategic autonomy. Aluminium scrap outflows raise industrial concerns Mytilineos referred to the contrasting US tariff treatment of aluminium products, i.e., a 50 per cent tariff on primary aluminium, compared with zero tariff on scrap . With European aluminium scrap exports to the US increasing by 243 per cent, he questioned whether Europe could strengthen its industrial base while allowing valuable...
The US aluminium used beverage can (UBC) scrap price benchmark tracked by Argus recorded a mixed performance over the third quarter of 2026, declining in July before rising in August and September. The monthly average increased from USD 2,322.89 per tonne in July to USD 2,491.22 per tonne in August and USD 2,602.51 per tonne in September, indicating a sustained recovery in the benchmark over the three months. July: Prices decline despite a high opening The benchmark began July at USD 2,464.98 per tonne on July 1, before falling sharply to USD 2,270.76 per tonne on July 3. The price remained at that level on July 2 and July 6, the lowest recorded price for the month. It subsequently recovered gradually, reaching USD 2,319.86 per tonne on July 10 and USD 2,328.63 per tonne on July 22....
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The United States’ increased focus on the secondary aluminium industry led to a year-on-year decline in its primary aluminium production for another month but a rise in aluminium recovery from scrap. According to the data from the US Geological Survey, the United States’ primary aluminium production in August decreased 6,000 tonnes or 9.7 per cent year-on-year, while scrap recovery gained 17,000 tonnes or 6.07 per cent. Delving deeper into the data, we find the United States’ primary aluminium production in August stood at 56,000 tonnes against 62,000 tonnes in August 2023 and 57,000 tonnes in July 2024. In line with the decline in monthly production, the United States average daily production in August also slipped over the year as well as month. On a year-on-year basis, the daily output...
Constellium, a global leader in aluminium solutions and recycling, has reached a significant sustainability milestone with its newly inaugurated aluminium recycling centre in Neuf-Brisach. The facility has successfully produced its first aluminium coils made primarily from post-consumer scrap, which Crown, a world leader in metal packaging, has now qualified. Following rigorous testing at Crown's manufacturing facilities in France and Spain, the aluminium coils received approval for use in beverage cans. This achievement underscores both companies' shared commitment to advancing sustainable practices and reducing their environmental footprints. Constellium’s qualification by Crown marks a significant milestone, showcasing the company’s dedication to delivering high-quality recycled...
Every Can Count U.S., and Replenish has introduced a new community-focused recycling initiative called Cans for Cash to enhance the recovery of aluminium beverage cans. The program was first launched in Blytheville, Arkansas, and plans to expand with four additional Circularity Centres across Florida, Illinois, and Mississippi. Image Source: Every Can Counts Cans for Cash initiative Cans for Cash targets communities located near major waterways that have limited or no access to recycling. This initiative is designed to increase recycling rates, reduce litter and landfill waste, and stimulate local economies by providing cash incentives to participants who recycle empty aluminium beverage cans. "The Cans for Cash program is a self-sustaining recycling model and will help fund future...
North America's increasing reliance on secondary aluminium is driving the domestic companies to advance their recycling processes by investing in new cutting-edge technologies. Such is an instance with North America's one of the largest aluminium companies that has secured a new recycling production line from a specialised waste recycling solutions provider, GEP ECOTECH. Image Source: GEP ECOTECH The new system will process baled scrap aluminium by breaking it down, shredding it, and removing contaminants to prepare the waste material for its final objective - smelting. Besides providing shredding and sorting solutions, the system offers reduced energy consumption and less greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring operational efficiency and environmental sustainability. James, Sales Manager at...
November 15 of each year is observed as America Recycles Day – a day dedicated to spreading the message of how recycling can help all of us contribute towards the environment in the littlest way possible by reducing waste, saving energy, and conserving precious resources. And now that individuals as well as industries are increasingly prioritising sustainability, recycling plays a crucial role. Essentially, the aluminium industry in America has notably made a conscious shift to recycling and using recycled, low-carbon aluminium. According to the Aluminum Association, 75 per cent of aluminium is recycled in the United States of America. Some industries like automotive and building recycle more than 90 per cent. Today, more than 80 per cent of US production is in making recycled/secondary...
Mount Isa City Council plans to introduce a new residential recycling this year. From November 18 to December 6, 2024, yellow-top recycling wheelie bins will be distributed to all Mount Isa and Camooweal households, with collections starting in December 2024. Image Source: Mount Isa City Council The 240L yellow-top recycling bins will be collected fortnightly, while the red-top general waste bins will shift to weekly collections. Both of these will include items ranging from aluminium bottles to other metals, glass and papers. The new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) will handle recyclable materials collected from the yellow-top bin, including aluminium, hard plastics, steel, paper, cardboard, glass bottles, and jars. The processed glass will be repurposed into construction materials for...
Marks and Spencer (M&S) Rushden Lakes has introduced the Beauty Takeback Scheme in-store, a program developed in collaboration with HANDLE, a beauty recycling specialist. Launched in June 2023 as part of M&S's Plan A roadmap towards achieving Net Zero, this initiative allows customers to recycle various types of aluminium and plastic beauty packaging from any brand, including bottles, tubes, caps, pumps, and tubs. Image Source: In Fashion Business Customers can simply drop their used packaging into designated collection boxes. Since its inception, the scheme has successfully gathered over 1.6 tonnes of beauty packaging—the weight of a small car—that might have otherwise ended up in a landfill. Rico Gilbert, Store Manager at M&S Rushden Lakes, said, "At M&S Rushden Lakes we want to play...
The Teamsters are calling on the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) to maintain a neutral stance as employees at five sorting facilities and 27 redemption centres initiate efforts to organise with the union. The OBRC, a non-profit cooperative, is largely funded by Oregon’s Bottle Bill, which imposes a 10-cent deposit on most plastic, aluminium, and glass beverage containers. Oregon pioneered the deposit-return system for single-use beverage containers to boost recycling rates. This model has since been adopted by nine other U.S. states and much of Canada. The OBRC, a non-profit cooperative, is largely funded by Oregon’s Bottle Bill, which imposes a 10-cent deposit on most plastic, aluminium, and glass beverage containers. “Cooperative workers are concerned over low wages and...
Sparklo, a cleantech leader, has significantly boosted its production capabilities at its Ras Al Khaimah facility to keep pace with soaring demand for its innovative reverse vending machines, known as Sparklomats. Image Source: Sparklo About Sparklomats Sparklo is a UAE-based global cleantech leader transforming the recycling industry and promoting sustainable practices worldwide. The company has introduced innovative reverse vending machines (RVMs) called Sparklomats, encouraging the recycling of plastic bottles and aluminium cans by offering exciting rewards. Established in 2022 within the Al Hamra Industrial Zone of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), the facility has reached its planned full production capacity of 1,500 units annually, supporting Sparklo’s ambitious regional and...
The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) proudly announced the successful conclusion of the 28th cycle of its national initiative, the 'Can Collection Drive,' held on November 9th, encompassing all of Emirates. Under the theme "With a 'Can do' attitude, the future is in our hands," the programme aims to raise awareness about the importance of waste segregation at the source and the value of recycling aluminium cans. Image Source: Mid east information It also seeks to engage businesses and the wider community in adopting sustainable habits. Launched in 1997 as EEG's first action programme, this campaign was designed to actively involve all segments of society. It is part of EEG's ongoing dedication to fostering sustainable practices across various sectors in the UAE. Sustainable initiative...
In 2011, Novelis made a groundbreaking move by shifting its business model to focus on recycling, sparking significant investments in expanding recycling capacity and capabilities. This strategic shift led to the creation of one of the world’s largest aluminium recycling centres, fundamentally transforming the aluminium industry. Today, the Nachterstedt Aluminium Recycling Centre (NARC) celebrates its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of trailblazing innovation and sustainability, solidifying Novelis’ position as a leading force in aluminium recycling. Image Source: Novelis “At NARC, we can cast aluminium ingots for car bodysides made from 86% scrap. Aluminium ingots for beverage can bodies with a recycling content close to 100% showcase our way of decarbonizing aluminium for...
On October 15th, Inner Mongolia Weiwang Aluminum Products Processing Co., Ltd. officially entered the trial production phase of its aluminium alloy ingot project. With a significant investment of RMB 100 million, the facility is set to produce 60,000 tonnes of aluminium alloy ingots annually, derived from 70,000 tons of recycled aluminium. This project began construction in August 2020 and has now entered the trial production phase following successful equipment debugging. Beyond its production capacity, the project is projected to generate annual sales of RMB 1.2 billion, with a total profit forecast of RMB 40 million. Furthermore, it is expected to create employment opportunities for over 50 people, fostering economic growth and contributing to the aluminium industry's advancement in...
Ines Kilnhofer, project lead of RecycleMich, has propelled Austria’s first recycling app into the spotlight as a finalist in the Sustainability Awards’ Commercialised Best Practice category. This pioneering app, created to incentivise and elevate recycling behaviour, marks a new chapter in consumer engagement by turning recycling into an accessible, rewarding habit. Revolutionising recycling one scan at a time In a time of urgent climate action, RecycleMich empowers users to protect natural resources through a straightforward, digital process. With the free app, users simply scan empty packaging, dispose of it correctly, and collect points for weekly and monthly raffle entries. The more packaging they recycle, the greater their chance to win—a feature that has motivated users to scan over...
Befesa S.A., a hazardous aluminium and steel recycling service provider, has promising gains in the second quarter of the fiscal year with double-digit adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA). Image Source: Linkedin (Befesa) Headquartered in Luxembourg, the company expects solid double-digit EBITDA growth in the coming year, implying several favourable factors. Despite some serendipity, such as zinc treatment costs, zinc prices and secondary aluminium margins, the company says its disciplined strategy to capital budget backs its strategic endeavours and appoints the company for success. Company CEO Asier Zarraonandia says, "Befesa has delivered solid Q3 results, demonstrating our resilience in a challenging market... This performance and a...
Investments in recycled-content aluminium and copper production worldwide have sparked unease among traders and industry experts, with many questioning whether non-ferrous scrap exports will face a tightening landscape in the years ahead. This issue took centre stage at the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) Non-Ferrous Division meeting held in Singapore (27) 28-29 October 2024, where industry leaders explored both the opportunities and challenges in the growing global race for recycled metals. At the BIR World Recycling Convention, speakers presented ambitious expansion plans for melt shop capacity, primarily focused on Asia and North America. This led to vigorous debate over the future availability of scrap for export. ASEAN in the spotlight: China's investments in Thailand Vivian...
At Gateway Gulf 2024, an investment forum programme hosted by the Bahrain Economic Development from November 3 to 4, Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C (Alba) and Daiki Aluminium Industry Company Ltd., talked about their strategic partnership to form a joint venture firm – Alba-Daiki Sustainable Solutions (ADSS). Image Source - Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) The partnership was initially signed on August 7, 2024 , to establish a cutting-edge, sustainable aluminium dross processing facility through the joint venture. Reaffirming the partnership at the forum underpins the companies' diligence and commitment towards the upcoming project. In the forum, Alba and Daiki Aluminium shared their share percentage in the JV for the first time. While Alba will hold a 70 per cent stake, Daiki will own 30 per cent. The...
Joan Johnson, a renowned artist from Nedlands, received the prestigious Alcoa Major Award, which comes with a significant prize of AUD 10,000, for her artwork titled 'Deconstructed, Reconstructed and Embellished' in the City of Rockingham’s Castaways Sculpture Awards 2024.. Image Source: City of Rockingham The deconstructed dice sculpture, a one-metre high and five-metre long piece, is a striking combination of aluminium, wood, and perspex, each material contributing to its unique aesthetic and structure. The dice has six circular dots crafted from woven aluminium cans, set back in the construction and covered with perspex, reminiscent of portholes. Johnson has been a regular exhibitor at Castaways since its genesis in 2008. Awarded with three minor prizes and a highly commended...
Galesburg, a city in Knox County, Illinois, United States that has long championed environmental stewardship is preparing to say goodbye to a nearly four-decade institution: G & M Distributors’ aluminium can recycling operation. The facility, set to close on December 1st, has been a fixture since the early 1980s, providing a crucial service in diverting waste from landfills and promoting recycling within the community. However, mounting market challenges, increased operational costs, and a shrinking need for the service have forced G & M’s hand. Adam Vitale, President of G & M Distributors, expressed the company’s pride in their longstanding commitment to recycling, acknowledging the sense of loss that will follow the closure. Yet, in a message that underscores both resilience and...
