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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Conwy Borough Council, in collaboration with local charity Crest and recycling specialists Podback, has triumphantly recycled over 1 million aluminium coffee pods. This innovative service, launched in September 2022, has prevented 16.4 tonnes of waste from incineration, marking a significant step in sustainable waste management. As the first council in Wales to introduce such a service, Conwy has set a commendable precedent. More than 2,900 households have embraced this initiative, diligently recycling their plastic and aluminium coffee pods. Residents receive Podback recycling bags to fill and leave out during their fortnightly textiles and electricals kerbside collection, or they can book a collection with Crest if they reside in rural areas. Recycling coffee pods uses significantly...
In a significant turn of events, the relocation of a second consignment of aluminium dross from Win Process Company’s recycling facility in Rayong encountered a significant setback on May 19. The consignment, destined for an aluminium recycling facility in the Phanat Nikhom district of Chon Buri in Thailand, faced vehement opposition from local villagers, who refused to permit the unloading of the cargo. This disruption follows a recent fire at the Rayong facility on April 22, which has heightened community concerns over environmental and health risks associated with aluminium dross. Aluminium dross i s a by-product formed during the melting and processing of aluminium. When aluminium is in its molten state, it undergoes oxidation on the surface, resulting in the formation of a...
The Germany-based recycling solution provider saperatec has officially inaugurated its facility in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt, a strategic location for the production of secondary plastic and aluminium from composite packaging waste. The opening ceremony was attended by Sven Schulze, the Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, along with numerous partners and guests. About the facility At this new facility, industrial-scale recycling of plastic/aluminium composite films from beverage cartons and other composite packaging waste will occur. Beverage cartons are primarily composed of fibre, plastic, and aluminium layers. The fibre component from beverage cartons collected in Germany has been recovered and used to produce cardboard packaging...
International technology group Andritz has initiated a comprehensive refrigerator recycling line at the Derichebourg España facility in Madrid. This innovative plant, designed to process up to 120 refrigerators containing CFCs and VHC (pentane) per hour, stands as a testament to advanced recycling technology and environmental stewardship. The core of the newly established line is the ADuro QZ shredder, a marvel of modern engineering. Operating as a fully sealed system, it utilises impact forces to disassemble refrigerators into their constituent components. This meticulous separation ensures that valuable materials, including iron, copper, aluminium, plastics, and polyurethane foam, are efficiently recovered for reuse. Aluminium, in particular, is notable for its ability to be recycled...
During the week ending on May 10, 2024, the London Metal Exchange (LME) witnessed considerable volatility in the prices of most base metals. Three-month aluminium futures on the LME slid by 0.86 per cent to reach $2,529 per tonne, while nickel settled at $18,925 per tonne, marking a decline of 1.62 per cent. Copper prices closed at $10,004 per metric ton, zinc saw a modest uptick of 0.93 per cent to reach $2,930 per tonne, and lead prices edged up by 0.32 per cent to settle at $2,222 per tonne. Domestic base metals markets generally trended downwards throughout the week, except zinc. The imported aluminium scrap market also experienced a downturn. Additionally, domestic prices for aluminium and copper registered declines. Conversely, zinc and lead prices exhibited slight upward movements....
Investments in the recycling industry can facilitate the recovery and reuse of valuable resources from waste materials . This reduces the strain on natural resources and promotes sustainable practices crucial for long-term environmental and economic sustainability. Increased investment can lead to better waste management systems, including collection, sorting, and processing facilities. This can help address issues such as landfill overflow and improper waste disposal, improving public health and sanitation. Speakers at the International Investment Forum in Tashkent emphasised the burgeoning investment opportunities within Uzbekistan's recycling sector. With approximately US$60 billion (EUR 55.7 billion) in foreign investment flowing into the country over the last six years and a robust 6...
Spot prices for India's aluminium alloy ADC12 ingot declined by INR 3,000 per tonne, now standing at INR 216,000 per tonne week-on-week exw Delhi NCR. As per BigMint's latest assessment, tense scrap prices also saw a decrease, reaching INR 185,000 per tonne ex-Delhi, marking a weekly decline of INR 2,500 per tonne. This has widened the scrap-to-ADC12 spread to INR 31,000 per tonne. Market sources have indicated that tense offers in Chennai are currently around INR 188,000 per tonne, while spot prices for ADC12 in Chennai range between INR 219,000 to INR 222,000 per tonne ex-works on immediate terms, excluding GST. Trends in ADC12 market Amidst the downturn in tense prices across the northern region, the pricing of semi-finished products has taken a hit, with a noticeable slowdown in...
In collaboration with TankE GmbH and the City of Cologne, Rheinmetall is embarking on a pilot initiative to evaluate curb chargers in public traffic zones. This project aims to integrate and field-test Rheinmetall's curb charger technology within urban environments. The primary goal is to assess public acceptance and explore these chargers' urban planning and design benefits. Following signing a letter of intent in May 2023, the official launch for on-site deployment took place today, April 25, 2024. The curb chargers will undergo extensive real-world testing at two designated locations within the city. Rheinmetall is a globally influential technology group offering a comprehensive range of components, systems, and services tailored to security and civil sectors. Renowned as a trusted...
Alucop's visionary pursuit of environmental stewardship takes tangible form with the inauguration of its cutting-edge recycling facility in Berrechid. Strategically nestled within Morocco's bustling industrial zone, this plant epitomises the synergy between industry and ecology. Alucop's plant is committed to excellence and possesses an impressive array of output. It will create 5,000 tonnes of copper anodes, 4,000 tonnes of copper wire rod, 2,500 tonnes of copper billets, 12,000 tonnes of brass billets, 5,000 tonnes of aluminium billets, 12,000 tonnes of brass bars and 20,000 tonnes of aluminium ingots per year. The facility denotes Alucop's versatility and adaptability to market demands while championing environmental stewardship through sustainable practices. Ministerial endorsement...
The US Geological Survey's latest data showed the United States’ domestic primary aluminium production trended down during the first two months of 2024, while scrap recovery surged suggesting the country's constant shift to recycled aluminium from the primary metal. Image courtesy: USGS Scrap recovery Aluminium recovered from scrap in February 2024 was 293,000 tonnes, 6.54 per cent up from 275,000 tonnes a month ago and 6.93 per cent more than 274,000 tonnes a year earlier. Of the total scrap recovered, 163,000 tonnes was recovered from new scrap and 129,000 tonnes from old scrap. The total recovery of scrap in the first two months of 2024 was 568,000 tonnes, compared to 552,000 tonnes a year ago. Primary aluminium output From January to February 2024, the United States combined...
Sortera Technologies, Inc. recently announced the appointment of Curt Sacks as its senior vice president and CFO. With almost thirty years of experience across public and private sectors, Curt brings a wealth of financial and leadership expertise to Sortera. His primary focus will be guiding the finance team as the company continues its expansion and commercialisation initiatives nationwide. Curt Sacks – Senior VP & CFO Before joining Sortera, Curt held the position of CFO at Zero Motorcycles, a prominent manufacturer of two-wheel EV vehicles and electric powertrains. His tenure was marked by significant growth and expansion, a testament to his financial acumen and strategic leadership. Prior to Zero, Curt served as CFO for both GigOptix, Inc. and Endwave Corporation, two publicly listed...
Alupro recently unveiled an updated iteration of its groundbreaking Aluminium Manifesto on April 30th. First introduced in 2022, this manifesto serves as a comprehensive blueprint representing the perspectives of the aluminium packaging industry. It delineates essential reforms to establish a top-tier recycling infrastructure for the UK. In its latest version, the 2024 update not only applauds the strides already taken, such as discussions on the Simpler Recycling policy and the proposition of a binary labelling system, but also points out areas necessitating further advancement. These include clarifying misunderstandings surrounding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and advocating for tailored support for innovation within specific sectors. The updated manifesto presents seven...
The global heavy metal industry is undergoing a significant transformation. It is prioritising the use of recycled materials to eradicate carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. In response to escalating environmental concerns and climate volatility, international heavy metal brands are intensifying their efforts to adopt eco-friendly operational frameworks. This shift hinges upon robust renewable energy initiatives and amplified green strategies. Recycling aluminium emerges as a pivotal solution, outstripping primary production methods by conserving up to 95% of the energy expended in smelting processes. Furthermore, aluminium's status as a 100% recyclable, circular metal facilitates retrieval without significant material loss , reinforcing its reputation as a 'green metal'...
EOS has unveiled an unconventional initiative aimed at minimising material waste and reducing carbon emissions. This comprehensive program encompasses the launch of a polymer take-back program alongside the incorporation of recycled feedstock into its Aluminium AISi10Mg, reinforcing EOS's commitment to environmental responsibility. EOS has collaborated with Agiplast, a leading specialist in polymer regeneration, to introduce VIRTUCYCLE, an innovative process that converts used polymer materials into high-performance injection moulding granules. Through this partnership, EOS ensures that polymer waste is repurposed, thus contributing to a circular economy model while utilising sustainably sourced energy. The efficacy of EOS's sustainability endeavours is highlighted by a third-party...
Marking a landmark collaboration that echoes the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship, Sohar Aluminium and Oman Aluminium Processing Industries (OAPIL) have recently formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance unveiled amidst the esteemed Oman Sustainability Week, symbolises a shared commitment toward pioneering eco-friendly practices in the aluminium industry. The signing of the MoU signifies a pivotal step in aligning with Oman's ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Both entities, Sohar Aluminium and OAPIL, stand united in their resolve to drive positive change , fostering a sustainable ecosystem that transcends conventional boundaries. At the heart of this collaboration lies a profound dedication to environmental...
Andrea Sarmiento, a Colombian entrepreneur based in Brunswick Heads, has turned her passion for sustainable fashion into a thriving business. Through her brand DeLata, she crafts handbags and necklaces from recycled aluminium pull tabs, transforming waste into wearable art. The core of Andrea's business model lies in collaboration with a group of 14 single mothers from Martires, a remote area in Bogota, Colombia. By exchanging designs and ideas, Andrea supports these women by providing them with tools to showcase their individual cultural heritage while earning a sustainable income. Andrea implied: "I think people like innovation and how versatile we are. It's a conversation piece, and everyone wants to know the story behind it. You can walk to any morning market with one on and take the...
Last week, on April 25th, the UK government made a significant announcement regarding the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers. They revealed that the scheme's implementation would be postponed until October 2027. Alongside this postponement, DEFRA disclosed several decisions regarding joint registration and reporting, labelling requirements, reciprocal returns, deposit levels, minimum container sizes, and strategies to address low-volume sales. Furthermore, they reiterated that the scheme in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland would not cover glass drink containers. This decision was made due to concerns about the complexity and associated handling costs of glass containers. What Tom Giddings said Commenting on the announcement, Tom Giddings, executive director of...
On Earth Day, a new drop-off point was unveiled at 1301 Beaubien St. in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, offering a convenient way to recycle aluminium cans and bottles. This Consignaction Centre, the first of many planned for Montreal Island and across the province, is equipped with recycling machines and staffed with knowledgeable personnel. It's a hassle-free way to instantly exchange your bottles and cans for cash. The modernisation of Quebec's deposit-refund system means an increase in the number of accepted containers for recycling, with nearly 2.5 billion containers expected to be included. Plans are underway to expand the acceptance to a staggering five billion containers by March 1, 2025. Consignaction has already established a larger centre in Granby, catering to approximately 250...
