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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PyroGenesis Canada Inc., a high-tech firm known for its innovative plasma processes and sustainable solutions to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) and mitigate environmental pollutants, has announced the acquisition of full ownership of Drosrite International, a private company based in the United States. The company acquired full ownership of Drosrite, an environmentally friendly waste management technology provider for the aluminium industry, for just CAD$1.00. Previously, Drosrite had been operated as an accounting subsidiary. Previously, PyroGenesis and Drosrite International entered an exclusive agreement on August 29, 2019. This agreement granted Drosrite International the rights to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute Drosrite™ systems and technology across the Kingdom of Saudi...
The Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) of China has unveiled draft regulations to facilitate the importation of recycled aluminium and copper, aiming to enhance supply and bolster industry competitiveness. China, the leading global producer and consumer of metals, is intensifying its efforts to use more recycled materials. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions from its energy-intensive industries while preventing the nation from becoming a repository for international waste. According to a notice issued by the MEE, raw materials for recycled copper, copper alloy, aluminium, and aluminium alloy will no longer be classified as solid waste. This reclassification means these materials can be imported without restrictions, marking a significant shift...
Speira, a leading rolling and recycling company, has announced a significant new investment in its Karmøy facility. With an allocation of NOK 6 million, Speira will install a state-of-the-art slag press. This cutting-edge technology enhances recycling by efficiently processing waste from aluminium production. The investment underscores Speira's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aluminium industry. By enabling the recycling of production waste, the new slag press will contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of aluminium manufacturing and support the company's goal of promoting a circular economy. Pål Tage Endresen, Plant Manager at Speira Karmøy, said, “Not only will the quality of the product be higher, but we will reduce both operating costs and waste from...
Solek, a leading renewable energy company from the Czech Republic, has formed an alliance with Degraf, a major manager of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Under this alliance, they plan to recover and reuse raw materials (aluminium, copper, etc.) found in photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. This year, they plan to dispatch 8.6 tonnes of photovoltaic modules for environmentally responsible recovery. This initiative aims to recover valuable equipment, parts, and materials such as aluminium and copper cables from these modules. "Given the increase in the generation of end-of-use photovoltaic panels, we are advancing in the installation of capacities that allow them to be recycled in compliance with the highest international standards. For this reason, the work we are doing with...
Alupro, the aluminium packaging recycling organisation, has been named the newest sponsor of this year’s LARAC Wales Conference. Throughout the day, delegates will have the chance to explore Alupro’s award-winning consumer engagement campaigns. These include their school-age awareness programs, Masters of Infinity, and B-influencers, with a particular focus on the MetalMatters initiative. Set to take place on July 9th at the Leonardo Hotel in Cardiff, the event will unite hundreds of local authority representatives to discuss crucial topics on waste management and recycling services. Since its inception in 2012, MetalMatters has been a game-changer, adopted by 114 councils across the UK and significantly boosting household metal packaging recycling rates. “Wales currently sits third in...
Since initiating their partnership last year, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) and RECAPP, Veolia's digital recycling solution, have completed over 14,000 collections from schools and homes. About the collaboration The collaboration, aimed at fostering aluminium recycling among UAE youth, began with 12 schools near EGA's Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah operations. It has since expanded to encompass 20 educational institutions and includes home collections as well. UAE citizens and residents consume approximately 660 million aluminium beverage cans each year. Shockingly, only a third of these cans are currently recycled, starkly contrasting the over 95 per cent recycling rates in leading recycling nations. Shockingly, more than 440 million aluminium cans find their way into UAE landfills...
The world's leading provider of sustainable aluminium solutions and a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, Novelis Inc., has announced significant executive leadership appointments to foster global growth and promote aluminium as the preferred material for circular solutions. Roberta Soares and Cary Chenanda have been named Regional Presidents for South America and North America, respectively. Francisco Pires, the former President of South America, will now serve as Chief Transformation Officer. Meanwhile, Tadeu Nardocci, who previously served as interim president of North America, will transition to Executive Vice President of Manufacturing Operations, overseeing the company's major capital projects. These strategic appointments underscore Novelis Inc.'s unwavering...
FCC Environment and Podback are expanding aluminium and plastic coffee pod recycling services across England and Wales. This collaboration follows a pilot program that collected 14 tonnes of used pods within six months. Introduction of separate recycling bins The initiative will introduce dedicated recycling bins for aluminium and plastic pods at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) throughout both countries. These bins will be conveniently located for easy access, making the recycling process more straightforward. Wigan, Luton, and Nuneaton in England are the initial beneficiaries of this scheme, with additional locations set to join soon. “Our pilots over the last year with FCC have proved successful and have received positive feedback from residents using the service. We hope...
The Coca-Cola system in Thailand, which includes ThaiNamthip Corporation Limited, HaadThip plc, and Coca-Cola (Thailand) Ltd., has expanded its 'Coke Recycle Me with Trash Lucky' campaign for the fourth consecutive year. The campaign highlights the importance of recycling aluminium cans and plastic bottles. This year's initiative involves enhanced collaborations with existing and new retail partners to establish over 80 drop-off locations across Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Phuket, and Songkhla. These efforts also encompass increased involvement from recycling partners and sponsors, aiming to promote the recycling of materials like aluminium cans and plastic bottles and highlight environmental awareness. Nattapak Atichartakarn, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Trash Lucky...
This week, India's imported aluminium scrap prices have experienced a downward correction. This is primarily due to the impact of the approaching monsoon on market demand, despite the stable LME aluminium prices. The resulting activity slowdown has led to this market shift. The 3-month LME aluminium prices remained steady at $2,500/t, with little change week-over-week. According to BigMint's assessment, tense scrap from the Middle East, particularly the UAE, saw a US$30 per tonne decline, settling at US$1,800 per tonne. Additionally, zorba 95/5 from the UK dropped by $50 per tonne, reaching $2,080 per tonne CFR on the west coast of India. Meanwhile, a few grades like US tense 6-7 per cent and UK taint tabor C/S recorded a drop of up to US$25 per tonne w-o-w moving down to US$1,835 per...
The Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce Foundation has expanded its aluminium can recycling program to help fund the BG Boom Festival and Fireworks. BG Boom, the annual Independence Day celebration for the Bowling Green community, will be held on July 3, 2024. The event will feature a festival at the Wood County Fairgrounds from 4 to 9 p.m., culminating in a fireworks display at dusk. About the program The Aluminum Can Recycling Program, initiated in partnership with Bates Recycling several years ago, has consistently raised several thousand dollars for this community event. The seasonal can drive will continue through June 30. Aluminium cans can be recycled at Bates Recycling Centre at 12729 Jerry City Road in Cygnet. When BG BOOM is mentioned, Bates will donate 5 cents to the Chamber...
The leading European aluminium rolling and recycling company, Speira, has unveiled plans to invest €40 million in expanding its recycling capabilities at the Rheinwerk facility. This strategic investment aims to bolster the site's transformation efforts, with a projected annual reduction of up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO 2 emissions. The company has long been committed to driving sustainable practices and reducing its carbon footprint. With the direction clearly defined, Speira's investment marks a crucial step in the ongoing transformation of the Rheinwerk site, positioning it as a leading hub for environmentally responsible recycling operations. Boris Kurth, Head of the can business at Speira and the recycling and foundry operations at the Rheinwerk, stated, "We want to become the...
The first national litter survey by Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) since the government's introduction of a deposit return scheme has shown a decrease in aluminium cans and plastic bottles on Irish streets, leading to an overall improvement in litter levels. There has been an almost 30 per cent reduction in aluminium can-related litter compared to the previous survey. Although plastic bottles are now less common than in any past survey, they remain Ireland's third most prevalent form of litter. “Our study paints a much better picture than a few years ago, with levels of cleanliness definitely rising. Once again, no town was judged to be either a ‘litter blackspot’ or ‘heavily littered’ – that’s real progress, progress that has been hard earned in our cities.” Overall, the number of...
Tuffman Equipment was acquired by General Kinematics in 2018 as part of its strategic move to enhance recycling systems. This acquisition aimed to diversify and expand General Kinematic's (GK) equipment offerings, particularly in the recycling sector. After the acquisition, General Kinematics evaluated and upgraded Tuffman's screens and conveyors to align with what a GK executive proudly refers to as "the GK standard." The enhanced robustness of the Tuffman line has significantly reduced downtime for recyclers handling metal and construction and demolition (C&D) materials. This improvement is a testament to General Kinematics' commitment to providing high-performance and reliable recycling solutions. Thanks to the upgraded Tuffman line, recyclers can now enjoy more efficient and...
Colleagues from Every Can Counts are gearing up for the upcoming Red Bull Soapbox Race on Saturday, June 22nd, at Alexandra Palace. With the aim to draw attention towards the topic of recycling and how aluminium plays a vital role in it, Every Can Counts will be competing against 55 other teams with its one-of-a-kind soapbox cart. Tom Giddings to sport aluminium cans suit Dubbed "Chitty Chitty Can Can" through a public poll on social media, their soapbox resembles a recycling collection truck with a stylish twist. Resembling a recycling collection truck with a style twist, their soapbox is a sight to behold. It boasts a striking paint job, chrome engine pipes, and a plush fur interior, all designed to make it a standout on the track. Every Can Counts has left no stone unturned to ensure...
Powys County Council has launched a new campaign to boost kerbside recycling rates by encouraging households to recycle their metal packaging. This includes items such as food and drink cans, aluminium foil and trays, empty aerosols, and metal screw tops. The 'MetalMatters' programme, led by the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro), aims to spread awareness about the benefits of metal recycling through targeted social media and digital messaging, school visits, and community outreach initiatives. Starting in June, the six-week campaign aims to engage with the majority of Powys' 67,000+ households. Since its inception in 2012, over 121 local authorities have implemented MetalMatters, leading to improved recycling rates. As per AL Circle’s report, titled ‘Aluminium Foil and...
American Beverage announced a generous $25,000 grant to Atlanta-based nonprofit Live Thrive in an effort to enhance recycling capabilities . This is not just a grant, it's a game-changer. This funding is earmarked for new equipment at Live Thrive's Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) in DeKalb County, Georgia, a crucial step in our mission to improve recycling in our community. The grant will be used to purchase a new baler, a crucial piece of equipment that will significantly expand CHaRM's recycling capacity. This centre is a vital drop-off facility for residents needing access to curbside recycling services. CHaRM accepts many items, from bulky materials like mattresses and bicycles to everyday recyclables such as beverage bottles and used cans, which can be processed and...
The US aluminum scrap market has kicked off 2024 with a significant momentum of 2.06 per cent rise in exports and 6.04 per cent rise in imports during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a broader economic trend and strategic shifts in trade policies. The first quarter of the year has seen a notable increase in both imports and exports driven by rising global demand. Top destination countries of US aluminium scrap exports As of Q1 2023, US exported aluminium scrap mostly to Malaysia (100,000 tonnes) and India (96,700 tonnes), followed by South Korea, Thailand, and China. Whereas in Q1 2024, the list remained unchanged, except for South Korea and Thailand's positions as importers. In the said period, Thailand emerged as the third largest importer, sourcing 78,800 tonnes. Q-o-Q analysis...
