Presently, sustainability carries immense importance in the aluminium industry since it is an energy-intensive sector that needs constant tracking and vigilance for reduced carbon emissions. In 2022, the aluminium industry alone accounted for 270 Mt of direct carbon emissions, which was 3 per cent of the global industry-related emissions that year. At the same time, recycling post-consumer scrap aluminium saves up to 90 million tonnes of CO2 and 100,000 GWh of electrical energy than primary aluminium production.
Incorporating sustainable practices has become the only thought-provoking discussion among industry experts wherein they have decided to include digitalisation in their daily production process. Some active methods to create carbon-free industrial zones are the use of Carbon Capture and Storage technologies, the utilisation of renewable energy in place of fuel power and the application of ultra-modern digital trackers for a measurable outcome. Other than that, companies are keen on adopting closed-loop material usage, where the aluminium, once used, can be brought back to a recycling unit when the end products complete their lifetime, creating a circular economy. Since aluminium is 100% recyclable, there is no or very little material loss after the transformational process is over. Nevertheless, mining giants are looking for ways to rehabilitate the mined grounds, alongside sending in the residual red mud to cement makers for re-utilisation.
Other than that, aluminium industry leaders are implementing new digitalised methods to mitigate the wastage of water while keeping material wastage under control. The need for global certifications and standardisations has increased vastly so that companies might reach individual E.S.G. (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals. Moreover, international research bodies are actively developing newer technologies that adhere to the sustainability quota laid out by the Paris Agreement in 2015.
Some of the sustainable initiatives in the global aluminium sector in the second half of 2023 are:
EGA's Al Taweelah alumina refinery receives A.S.I. certification for E.S.G. performance
Emirates Global Aluminium's Al Taweelah alumina refinery has received Aluminium Stewardship Initiative certification for environmental, social, and governance performance. EGA's operational assets around the world are certified to the A.S.I. Performance Standard V2 (2017) certification. The refinery has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions in the global alumina refining industry due to its efficient production process and operation. EGA's Research & Development team innovated viable ways to re-utilise bauxite residue, which has always been a challenge for the alumina refining industry. EGA was the first company in the world to make aluminium plants commercially using solar power. The company is committed to responsibly carrying out bauxite residue management.
On acknowledgement of the A.S.I. certification for Al Taweelah refinery, Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, remarked: "Aluminium has an essential role to play in the development of a more sustainable society, and it also matters how sustainably aluminium is made. Certification to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative's Performance Standard is a transparent and independent verification of our commitment to sustainability, and I am proud all EGA's operational assets are now certified. Our next goal is to start producing ASI-certified metal during next year and to produce only ASI-certified metal by 2030."
Alba became the first Middle East smelter to achieve the A.S.I. Performance Standard (V3) Certification
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has become the first Middle Eastern smelter to obtain the newest version (V3) of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative's Performance Standard Certificate, valid for three years starting August 31, 2023. The certification was earned through an on-site audit of Alba's facilities, acknowledging the responsible production and marketing of primary aluminium, among other services. Alba had previously earned the Chain of Custody Standard Certification in May 2022 and the Performance Standard Certification in January 2020.
After the certification was presented, Alba's Chief Executive Officer, Ali Al Baqali, illustrated: "This A.S.I. recertification underlines our commitment to environmental stewardship, transparency, and social responsibility. This will not only enhance our credibility as a responsible aluminium producer but also contribute to a more sustainable future -- thus positioning us on par with other responsible players in the aluminium industry."
Capral accepts the first A.S.I. CoC-certified shipment from Alba
Capral Aluminium has received the first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative Chain of Custody-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain. The accreditation ensures that the aluminium in its products is ethically sourced and processed by the highest environmental, social, and governance criteria. Capral joined A.S.I. last year and announced certification in A.S.I. Performance Standard V3 and Chain of Custody V2 for extrusion, storage, and distribution of aluminium goods and services.
Alba's C.E.O., Ali Al Baqali, narrated: "This is our first A.S.I. CoC shipment into Australia, following an industry-leading move by Capral to achieve their own A.S.I. Chain of Custody certification."
Alba is a worldwide aluminium smelter that has been a member of the A.S.I. since 2019 and announced CoC accreditation in May. CoC certification is a globally recognised standard for responsible aluminium production, sourcing, and use.
"Capral embarked on the journey of A.S.I. Performance and Chain of Custody Certification to offer Australian manufacturers, engineers, architects and builders who are working with our product confidence regarding the origins of their aluminium," added Capral's Divisional General Manager, Luke Hawkins.
Dadco Alumina and Chemicals Ltd earns A.S.I. Performance Standard for its A.O.S. refinery
Dadco Alumina and Chemicals Limited has received Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative for its entire operations, including port, administration, storage areas, and landfill in Stade, Germany. The certification defines environmental, social, and governance principles and criteria, aiming to address sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain. The independent, third-party audit of Dadco's A.O.S. facility was carried out by GUTcert (AFNOR Group). Dadco Alumina and Chemicals joined A.S.I. as the 175th Production and Transformation member in mid-2021.
When the certification process was accomplished, Victor Dahdaleh, Owner and Chairman of Dadco Group, spoke out: "Sustainability has been very much at the forefront of our strategy over the past few years. Accomplishing the A.S.I. certification symbolises our continued commitment to this strategy and reinforces our competitiveness in the global alumina market. By producing high-quality material with a lower environmental impact, we hope to add value to all of our stakeholders: our customers, suppliers and the community."
Ningbo Tuopo Group enters A.S.I. Performance Standard for aluminium casting, remelting & refining
Ningbo Tuopu Group Co., Ltd. has received the Performance Standard V2 certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative for its Light Alloy System 9th Unit in Ningbo, China. The company manufactures power chassis systems, trim systems, and intelligent driving control systems for the automotive industry and underwent a third-party audit by TÜV Rheinland Cert GmbH to acquire the certification. The A.S.I. Performance Standard V2 certification focuses on sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain and considers key sustainability issues such as biodiversity, Indigenous Peoples rights, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Chief Executive Officer at A.S.I., Fiona Solomon, exclaimed: "We congratulate Ningbo Tuopu Group Co., Ltd. on achieving A.S.I. Performance Standard Certification with Provisional status. Adopting sustainability is an ongoing journey that entails consistently assessing and enacting change. A.S.I. Certification enables companies to appraise their manufacturing methods through the lens of an E.S.G. standard and provides a path forward for progress on the ground."
A.S.I. enlists China's I.K.D. Co. Ltd. for energy-saving and carbon emissions-reducing initiatives
I.K.D. Co., Ltd. has joined the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative as a new Production and Transformation member due to their commitment towards sustainability and contribution to developing green aluminium. The company is engaged in 360-degree aluminium alloy precision die-casting operations, mainly producing automotive parts for companies like BOSCH, Continental, and Valeo. I.K.D. is committed to innovation and research, technology development, implementation of intelligent processes, and production automation to accomplish high-quality production while reducing carbon emissions and promoting energy saving. Joining A.S.I. has made the company more confident about achieving sustainability in the aluminium industry.
The Director of I.K.D. Co., Ltd., Nengzhong Yang, blurted out: "As a social entity, I.K.D. would like to take on the responsibility and obligation to contribute to sustainable development. We hope to join the A.S.I. and work with all A.S.I. members to promote energy saving and green development."
Hydro swaps fossil fuel with biomethane for greener production at its Sunndal aluminium smelter
Norsk Hydro's aluminium smelter in Sunndal will start using local, sustainable bioenergy to reduce carbon emissions from the production process. The company aims to achieve zero emissions after reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in Norway since 1990. Hydro will source biomethane from local plants to replace 70% of the natural gas used at the casthouse and anode production facility. The company plans to use this biodegradable energy at its other smelters as well.
Ola Sæter, Head of Hydro's primary aluminium smelters, commented: "We supply aluminium to the most demanding customers in Europe. They prefer aluminium from Hydro that is produced in Norway, based on renewable energy and with 75 per cent lower CO2 emissions than the industry average. At the same time, they expect us to also remove the last carbon emissions coming from our manufacturing processes. That is a challenge we take seriously and a goal we are working hard to reach."
Hydro has made significant strides in sustainability efforts over the last year. Through its commitment to producing near-zero carbon aluminium from recycled aluminium, Hydro has been able to reduce its carbon footprint. In addition, the company has demonstrated the effectiveness of green hydrogen in remelting aluminium. Furthermore, Hydro has initiated testing for carbon capture in Sunndal, further emphasising its dedication to reducing its environmental impact.
Vedanta Aluminium anointed with EPD certification for unmatchable sustainable drives
Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, has received verification from the International Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for its range of products, indicating the company's commitment to sustainable production. The EPD verified Vedanta's primary aluminium products, including billets, primary foundry alloy, wire rods, and all categories of aluminium ingots, which scored well in Life Cycle Assessment (L.C.A.) on parameters like energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. The EPD is a globally recognised certification that provides transparent and scientifically verified information about products' entire life cycle. Vedanta has also ranked 2nd in the global Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) 2022 for the aluminium industry.
After the successful certification programme, Sunil Gupta, C.O.O. of Vedanta Aluminium, noted: "As the world embraces sustainable practices for a low carbon future, the aluminium industry stands at the forefront of remarkable growth and innovation. With its versatile nature, aluminium holds significant potential in driving the energy transition, positioning Vedanta Aluminium as a critical facilitator. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is exemplified through the Environmental Product Declaration, showcasing our green practices and innovations across the entire aluminium value chain. We remain dedicated to upholding the highest industry standards and providing environmentally sustainable products to our customers."
Ayana Renewable and Hindalco sign a R.T.C. green energy contract for aluminium smelters in Odisha
Ayana Renewable Power has signed a Power Purchase Agreement with Hindalco Industries Limited to supply 100 MW of round-the-clock renewable energy to Hindalco's smelters in Odisha. The project is supported by the National Infrastructure and Investment Fund, British International Investment, and Green Growth Equity Fund. Ayana aims to become India's lowest-cost power supplier by leveraging a unique blend of solar, wind, and pumped hydro technologies. This project increases Ayana's cumulative capacity under management to nearly 5 G.W. and is essential for the aluminium industry's reliable and continuous power supply. Ayana's efforts are a significant contribution to India's energy transition.
Shivanand Nimbargi, the C.E.O. of Ayana Renewable Power, announced that Ayana is dedicated to leading India's energy transition and for that, delivering 100 MW of round-the-clock, carbon-free power is a statement for the company.
First Solar publishes the solar industry's first Sustainability Report in 2023
First Solar has set a new industry standard by publicly disclosing the details of third-party social audits conducted across its global manufacturing sites. This is the first time such audits have been conducted in the solar manufacturing industry. The audits aim to identify and address existing and potential issues to improve workers' lives across the supply chain. First Solar is the only major solar manufacturer that is a member of the Responsible Business Alliance (R.B.A.). Its new manufacturing facility in India is expected to be the world's first net-zero water withdrawal solar manufacturing facility, designed to minimise its impact on local water resources and rely entirely on tertiary-treated reverse osmosis water from the city's sewage treatment plant.
The C.E.O. of First Solar, Mark Widmar, notified: "We have chosen to highlight the audit findings openly, not only because of our commitment to transparency and Responsible Solar but to raise awareness of modern slavery risks that hide in plain sight and to illustrate the value of an independent third-party social audit conducted in a credible, comprehensive manner."
"The solar industry will anchor the global transition to a sustainable energy future, and we believe that it must do so responsibly. Our industry's work to power the energy transition and enable the fight against climate change does not serve as credits to offset its social and human rights obligations," the C.E.O. added.
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