Sustainability in aluminium: Top 10 green initiatives in the extrusion segment

We have been intrigued with the concept of intricate shapes and designs from the beginning of human civilisation, but there were certain limitations in the construction sector. But the recent emergence of aluminium application in construction has given rise to unique architectural structures. The non-ferrous metal is preferred by builders for its tensile strength and anti-combustible properties. Aluminium is lighter than steel and can be infinitely recycled without losing the actual characteristics of the metal. But with the world economy witnessing a rise in low-carbon, downstream and recycled products, it has become indispensable to tag the elements with a quality mark. One such quality indicator is the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI).

ASI is a remarkable global initiative that aspires to promote responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium. With a comprehensive sustainability standard and certification program for the aluminium value chain, ASI's primary goal is to nurture sustainability throughout the industry.

The demand for aluminium is expected to increase in the coming years due to significant investments in the building and construction sector, as well as in aluminium LED lighting and other devices. Worldwide, the building and construction sector is the major demand driver of aluminium extrusions, followed by the transportation and industrial sectors.

Some of the top green initiatives that have driven companies to be enlisted against ASI's Performance Standard are:

Hydro's operations receive Aluminium Stewardship Initiative certification

Hydro's plant in Reynosa, Mexico, achieved its first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable practices. This follows the success of its aluminium extrusion plant in Suzhou, China, which was the first in the country to receive the ASI performance standard certification. Located in Shanghai's Suzhou Industrial Park, the plant has undergone multiple expansion projects since it was established in 2004 and currently employs around 350 workers. Hydro's three extrusion operations in Brazil - Itu (SP), Tubaro (SC), and Utinga (SP) - were also certified by ASI, with approximately 900 employees across the factories. These achievements mark significant milestones for Hydro in promoting sustainable practices within the aluminium industry.

Capral Aluminium, Australia's first extruder to have bagged ASI dual certification

Capral Aluminium Industrial Solutions is Australia's biggest supplier of aluminium products and architectural and building solutions. The company recently received dual ASI certification, making it the first extruded aluminium product manufacturer in Australia to obtain such recognition. Capral's products, including geometric extrusions, machine rods, plates, and sheets, are utilised in various industries, such as residential and commercial construction, transport, marine, and general engineering.

ASI enlists OARC as Production and Transformation member

The Aluminium Rolling Company (OARC) officially registered as a new Production and Transformation member under the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). OARC is an aluminium rolling mill in Oman established in 2011. It has a nameplate capacity of 140,000 tonnes of rolled aluminium annually, potentially increasing production to 200,000 tonnes per year. The plant, located in the Sohar Industrial Estate, has over 300 employees and provides services to clients in the building and construction, transportation, packaging, consumer durables, energy, and HVAC sectors across three continents.

Grupa Kety S.A. joins Aluminium Stewardship Initiative as new Production & Transformation member

The foundry and extrusion facility of Grupa Kęty S.A. in Kęty, Poland, was awarded the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification. This certification recognises their production of billets and manufacturing of aluminium profiles and components. Grupa Kęty S.A. is Poland's biggest manufacturer of aluminium profiles and components, with an impressive annual manufacturing capacity of 90,000 tonnes. Aluminium extrusions are heavily used in construction due to their high endurance and robustness. 

Alumex PLC joins ASI as new production and transformation member

Alumex PLC, a company specialising in aluminium manufacturing in Sri Lanka and a subsidiary of Hayleys Group, recently joined the Production and Transformation division of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) as a new member. Known as a pioneer and trusted leader in the local aluminium sector, Alumex PLC is highly regarded for its superior aluminium extrusions crucial in the architectural industry.

Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters join ASI as a new Associations member

The Istanbul Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Exporters (İDDMİB) became the latest member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). İDDMİB operates in a range of industries such as aluminium, steel, copper, castings, hardware, metal kitchen and houseware, armatures, and building materials. It's worth noting that Turkish Aluminium, accounting for 43% of total exports as of 2022, is the largest industry in the Turkish Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals segment.

ASAŞ Alüminyum receives ASI Performance Standard Certification for aluminium extrusion and FRPs production

ASAŞ Alüminyum, a company in the aluminium extrusion business since 1992, received the Performance Standard certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). This certification acknowledges their high standards in the manufacturing of aluminium flat rolled products, aluminium profiles, composite panels, PVC profiles, and shutter products at their Akyazı and Karapürçek production facilities in Türkiye, as well as their headquarters located in Istanbul, Türkiye. ASAŞ Alüminyum produces finished and semi-finished rolled and extruded aluminium products used in various industries such as building and construction, commercial vehicles, rail transport, aerospace, automotive, solar panel, electronics, machinery, consumer goods, lighting, and furniture.

ASI welcomes Hindalco's aluminium extrusion facilities in India as a new Production & Transformation member

Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced it welcomed Hindalco Alupram Works, an aluminium extrusion manufacturing plant in Ernakulum District of Kerala, as a new Production and Transformation member. Also, Hindalco's Kuppam Works was registered against ASI's Production and Transformation title. With its nationwide facilities, Hindalco is one of India's biggest aluminium extrusion suppliers.

ASI certification gives the above brands a profound confidence to operate worldwide and supply high-quality aluminium products to the building and construction sector. Aluminium extrusions are heavily used in making fenestration systems, facades, curtain walls, doors and windows for industrial or residential complexes.