Sumitomo Chemical acquires ASI dual certification for chemical alumina & high-purity alumina production

Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has acknowledged Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. against Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for the production of chemical aluminium hydroxide, chemical alumina, high-purity alumina, and high-purity aluminium at its Ehime Works facility in Niihama City, Japan.

Sumitomo’s aluminium is used in electrolytic capacitators foils, liquid crystal displays, and wiring for semiconductors. Its alumina is used in integrated circuit packages and automobile spark plugs, while its high-purity alumina is used in lithium-ion battery materials and ceramic components for semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The ASI Certification programme was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process and is the only comprehensive voluntary sustainability standard initiative for the aluminium value chain.

Sumitomo received ASI dual certification after undergoing an independent, third-party audit by ERM Certification and Verification Services.

On receiving the certification, Ganesh Panneer, Vice President, Operations, Novelis North America, said: “As a part of our purpose of shaping a sustainable world together, we aim to collaborate with our suppliers, customers and partners throughout the entire value chain to participate in these responsible practices. This latest certification further demonstrates our steadfast commitment to providing sustainable aluminum solutions to our valued customers.”

Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer at ASI, said: “We congratulate Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd on their dual ASI Certification, serving as an important step forward on the path toward responsible practices for their production of aluminium and alumina products. ASI Certification provides a benchmark of performance and a framework for continuous improvement across key environmental, social and governance issues. Achieving this dual certification demonstrates the company’s commitment to responsible practices and sourcing of materials for use in electronics, batteries and other essential downstream industries.”