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....
Grow with
AL Circle
In March 2023, Mercedes-Benz laid the allegorical foundation stone for its innovative battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, a strategic move towards sustainable practices. This forward-thinking initiative, backed by an unspecified but significant investment in the double-digit million euro range, aligns with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection's commitment to environmental research. The collaborative effort, aptly named 'LiBinfinity,' sees Mercedes partnering with industry stalwarts like Primobius, the SMS Group, and research institutes. Their shared goal is to pioneer a groundbreaking hydrometallurgical process, aiming for an impressive 96% recovery rate of crucial battery materials, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Overview of the lithium-ion...
The recent downturn in the Indian aluminium scrap market can be attributed to a notable price decrease, primarily driven by a fall in futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange (LME). This decline results from limited transactions despite an increase in the number of improved offers. Many sellers who have returned from holidays are inactive, contributing to the overall market downturn. Moreover, the rising sea freight charges have adversely affected the market following the incident in the Red Sea. This additional factor has further compounded the challenges the aluminium scrap market faces. Pricing dynamics of aluminium wheel scrap According to a reliable source, the pricing dynamics of aluminium wheel scrap destined for India from the Western region exhibit variations among sellers....
Canvus, a pioneering start-up based in Avon, Ohio, has taken a sustainable approach by repurposing blades from decommissioned wind turbines to craft unique furniture pieces. The company's commitment to sustainability travels far beyond the wind turbine blades. Canvus incorporates recycled aluminium for bases and frames, further contributing to a circular economy. To address the environmental impact of wind turbine disposal, Canvus transforms these blades, which are typically challenging to recycle due to their fibreglass composition, into what they aptly term "functional art" for public spaces. The utilisation of reclaimed materials extends to rubber seating made from recycled tires and shoes, as well as post-consumer carpeting and rice hulls. This multifaceted approach not only...
Bahrain’s Labour Fund Tamkeen has announced to lend support to Alumicor in setting up a new operational base for aluminium recycling and manufacturing in Askar. Tamkeen has agreed to support Alumicor as its new project aligns with the former’s mission to strengthen Bahrain’s industrial sector, particularly aluminium manufacturing, which is a significant contributor to the Kingdom’s economy. Alumicor’s project aim Alumicor strives to provide local manufacturers with more filtered recycled aluminium through its advanced dross processing technologies to help local manufacturers enhance operational efficiency and bolster proficiency by reducing waste generation. By recycling a substantial portion of Bahrain’s aluminium waste, Alumicor aspires to position itself as an innovator in the...
Constellium Muscle Shoals, a prominent player in the aluminium industry, has reached a settlement with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, agreeing to pay a $75,000 civil fine. The settlement addresses alleged violations related to inspections and record-keeping at its facility in Muscle Shoals during an April 20-21 inspection. According to ADEM inspectors, Constellium lacked records of mandatory inspections for an "afterburner" air pollution control device, and mandatory labels on its melter furnaces were purportedly concealed behind cabinets. Despite Constellium's disagreement with these allegations, the company opted for a negotiated settlement to resolve the issue. Constellium clarified that the piece of equipment referred to as an afterburner was not an air pollution...
The spot prices for automobile-grade aluminium ADC12 alloy ingots experienced a rise of INR 5,500 per tonne, reaching INR 189,500 per tonne. This increase can be attributed to the surge in raw material prices, specifically tense prices, which climbed by INR 5,000 per tonne to INR 160,000 per tonne ex-Delhi, excluding GST. Reason behind the price hike Imported scrap prices have gradually risen in recent weeks, owing to limited offers during the Christmas/New Year Holidays. The influence of sufficient future bookings has also played a role, particularly from the Middle East and Africa, causing a notable increase of approximately $60-70 per tonne. The current spread between tense and ADC12 is around INR 30,000 per tonne ex Delhi. Specifically, the prices of imported tense scrap from the UAE,...
Recycling is the most important aspect or the need of the hour in the dynamic landscape of the aluminium industry. Many companies are taking up recycling initiatives to move towards a sustainable future, highlighting the importance of the same. Like, Hungary has implemented a new deposit return scheme (DRS) for disposable beverage containers in partnership with TOMRA and central system administrator MOL Hulladékgazdálkodási Zrt. (MOHU). This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of returning old packaging for recycling. The DRS only takes single-use aluminium cans and glass or plastic bottles for ready-to-drink or concentrated drinks, except milk and milk-based beverages. The size of these must fall between the ranges of 0.1 to 3 litres. "We applaud Hungary's bold steps toward a...
The Indian market for aluminium scrap has seen a notable price increase, attributed mainly to a surge in futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange (LME) after the Christmas and New Year holidays. Despite a rise in transaction volume, particularly from the western region, many sellers remain inactive as market participants are still returning from their holidays. As per Steel Mint's analysis, the reduced activity from Western countries has prompted customers to show a growing preference for Middle Eastern cargoes. This shift in preference has resulted in the conclusion of deals originating from the Middle East. Scrap prices in the Middle East Steel Mint's recent assessment for scrap in the Middle East indicates a tension-driven increase, reaching US$1,670 per tonne, with a...
In collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE), FrieslandCampina, a leading global dairy cooperative and the proprietor of the Rainbow brand in the Middle East, is launching an extensive waste management and recycling initiative in the UAE. In this ground-breaking endeavour, FrieslandCampina is dedicated to fostering a recycling culture for aluminium single-use plastic and other materials like tin. The initiative not only envisions environmental sustainability but also strives for ongoing interaction with students in the UAE through dynamic workshops and masterclasses. Partnering with Emirates Steel, Rainbow is committed to promoting the reuse of tin cans by implementing a meticulous treatment process. This innovative collaboration ensures that these...
Implemented by Jiaxing Jinmao Aluminum Industry, with a total investment of around RMB 390 million, the second phase of the production line of Guangyuan’s recycled aluminium project is expected to start construction by 2024. Situated in the Zhuangzi Industrial Park, inside the Qingchuan Economic and Technological Development Zone, it is a Chengdu-Guangzhou industrial cooperation project that will be built in two stages. In the first phase, two production lines for recycled aluminium bars with an annual production capacity of 50000 tonnes and an annual output value of RMB 1 billion will be built. Four recycled aluminium ingot production lines with an annual production capacity of 100000 tonnes will be constructed in the second phase. The initial stage of the project involved the...
Cyclic Materials has successfully completed a pilot plant in Kingston, Ontario, which uses its proprietary Mag-Xtract technology to isolate magnets from recycled end-of-life products. This helps in differentiating magnet-containing shredding from other scrap materials like copper, steel and aluminium. This new pilot plant has a design capacity of 1,000 kg/hour (8,000 tonnes per year) and has demonstrated successful initial runs processing several tonnes of magnet feedstock per day. The rare earth metals group has become a valuable resource for high-technology and low-carbon industries, but rapid global industrialisation and population growth are leading to increased pressure on the availability of raw materials. Company Moto The utility and demand ratio for rare earth metals is estimated...
Runaya, a manufacturing startup, is committed to expanding its portfolio and venturing into the mine tailings treatment space to contribute to a sustainable future. As Naivedya Agarwal, co-founder and CEO, states, tailings are the by-products of mining activities that must be managed or disposed of properly. With its successful recovery of materials from zinc waste, Runaya is determined to continue its mission of recovering valuable minerals and contributing to a cleaner environment. "Next, we will start targeting mine tailings. In the next year or so, we will start moving into treatment of mine tailings. It's the residue left behind after mining," Agarwal implied. What does Runaya do? Currently based in Mumbai, this company specialises in green aluminium recovery and diversified metal...
Mahindra Last Mile Mobility Limited (MLMML), an electric 3-wheeler manufacturer and a subsidiary of Mahindra & Mahindra in India, has entered into a partnership with Attero, a global leader in Lithium-ion battery recycling and e-waste management. This partnership addresses the environmental concerns related to safe electric vehicle battery disposal by establishing effective EV battery recycling. Attero, a well-known name in the industry, has achieved a remarkable recovery rate for precious materials at its Roorkee facility thanks to its cutting-edge recycling technology. The partnership between MLMML and Attero is aimed at promoting sustainability and ensuring the responsible recycling and reuse of Lithium-ion batteries. Words from industry experts and concerned CEOs The MD and CEO of...
Kaili municipal government of Guizhou signed an investment agreement with Sichuan Qiya Aluminium Industry on December 6. Under the agreement, Qiya will supply 500,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium, 300,000 tonnes of aluminium processing projects, 20GW monocrystalline silicon rods and 20GW photovoltaic slices. The agreement was signed under the presence of Li Jian, the Vice Chairman of Guizhou Provincial People's Political Consultative Conference and Secretary of Qiandongnan Provincial Party Committee, along with Yang Guangjie, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Governor, held a meeting with Tong Wenqi, the Chairman of Qiya Group Co., LTD. About the investment Li Jian and Yang Guangjie greeted Tong Wenqi and his entourage on behalf of the state party committee and...
In Q3 2023, which ended September 30, the United States exported 532,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap compared to 543,000 tonnes in the previous quarter, according to the US Geological Survey data. That recorded a sequential decline of 2.03 per cent, following a quarter-on-quarter rise of 7.1 per cent in Q2 from 507,000 tonnes. In September, the United States aluminium scrap exports stood at 180,000 tonnes, reflecting an increase of only 1,000 tonnes from 179,000 tonnes in August. On a year-on-year basis, the exports edged a hike of 10,000 tonnes or 5.88 per cent from 170,000 tonnes. In nine months, the United States aluminium scrap exports totalled 1.57 million tonnes, up by 3.97 per cent from 1.51 million tonnes during the corresponding period of the last year. India, the highest importer...
The Indian aluminium scrap market has experienced a significant increase in prices owing to the rise in futures contracts on the London Metal Exchange (LME). Despite this, transactions in the western region have been limited due to the absence of major trade participants with the Christmas festival approaching. Tight non-ferrous scrap prices in local markets across Europe and the US have caused upward pressure on export offers for various scrap grades. The slow accumulation of non-ferrous scrap in local markets has led suppliers to seek higher prices in international trade. SteelMint's latest assessment of Zorba 95-5, UK-origin, shows a rise of $55 per tonne, with the current price standing at $1,955 per tonne. Market participants indicate a positive shift in prices by $60-70 per tonne...
Schupan, based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, has invested over $40 million to establish two new aluminium shredding and sorting facilities. The first facility in Kalamazoo is scheduled to begin operations in early 2024 after opening later this month. “This new facility represents our continued commitment to sustainability, allowing us to meet the growing global demand for green aluminum while minimizing energy consumption, emissions and environmental disruption,” said Marc Schupan, CEO of the company. About the investment According to Gary Curtis, President of Industrial Recycling at Schupan, the investment includes the procurement of land, the construction of buildings, and the buying of equipment. He also added that Schupan chose Kalamazoo as one of its locations due to its seamless...
ALAMAK stands as a prominent entity in the realm of metal and plastic recycling, committed to delivering sustainable resolutions for an eco-friendly tomorrow. Established on January 30, 2006, the company has consistently championed responsible waste management practices, actively participating in the circular economy. Director Mikhailov Evgeny Evgenievich, at the helm of ALAMAK's leadership, has played a pivotal role in elevating the company to a position of trust within the industry. With his expert guidance, the organization has expanded into a dependable ally for businesses seeking effective and environmentally conscious waste management solutions. ALAMAK specialises in recycling and supplying a diverse range of metal and plastic scraps, offering extensive products. Ranging from copper...
