Sustainability weekly recap: Constellium receives $75 million from U.S. Department of Energy for green operational upgrades; Vedanta saves 15 billion litres of water

In this week's recap of significant developments in the aluminium industry, several key advancements have emerged, showcasing a collective commitment towards sustainability and innovation. Constellium's Ravenswood plant in West Virginia stands poised to pioneer zero-carbon technology with a substantial $75 million investment. This funding, under the U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Energy Demonstrations program, aims to revolutionise the facility's operations by decarbonising its cast houses and deploying state-of-the-art SmartMelt furnaces. Meanwhile, RUSAL's forest carbon offset project in Russia marks a milestone in environmental stewardship, demonstrating the efficacy of aerial forest fire management in sequestering millions of tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

On the domestic front, Vedanta Aluminium's water management initiatives in India underscore a commitment to sustainability, with significant water recycling efforts and community water restoration projects. These developments collectively symbolise a concerted industry-wide effort towards environmental responsibility and technological advancement.

Constellium's Ravenswood plant secures $75 million boost to deploy zero carbon technology

Constellium's Ravenswood facility in West Virginia has been selected for potential award negotiations for up to $75 million in funding by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. This funding is part of the Industrial Demonstrations Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act. The investment aims to support the implementation of innovative low-to-no emissions technologies within Constellium's Ravenswood facility, focusing on decarbonising the cast houses, among the plant's most energy-intensive operations. The planned investment will go towards installing state-of-the-art SmartMelt furnaces designed to operate using a variety of fuels, including clean hydrogen. This move is a significant step towards achieving a zero-carbon casthouse. The project is expected to enhance the plant's ability to maximise the intake of recycled scrap materials and introduce a hands-free casting process, improving worker safety within the facility. The initiative also includes constructing a new training and wellness centre and an onsite childcare facility, providing financial and technical resources to bolster local schools and universities.

RUSAL's forest carbon offset project was registered in the carbon units registry of the Russian Federation

RUSAL's forest carbon offset project on the aerial management of forest fires in the Krasnoyarsk region was registered in the carbon units registry of the Russian Federation. An independent, nationally approved third-party auditor validated the project to ensure that it meets all national rules and requirements. The project is scheduled for implementation in 2033 and will ensure the sequestration of several million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. It is the first voluntary forest carbon offset project on the aerial management of forest fires in Russia and has been awarded the 'Best project aimed at reducing climate impact and adapting to climate change' title in the national contest 'Trusted Partner: Environment'.

Vedanta Aluminium recycles 15 billion litres of water in FY2024 while undertaking water restoration measures

Vedanta Aluminium, India's largest aluminium producer, has announced that it recycled over 15 billion litres of water across its operations in FY2023-24 and helped restore over 60 water bodies in communities across its operational areas in rural India. The company is committed to achieving net water positivity by 2030 through efficient water management practices and is currently undertaking three major water management initiatives at its refining operations in Lanjigarh, mining operations in Jamkhani, Odisha, and at BALCO, a unit of Vedanta Aluminium located in Korba, Chhattisgarh. Vedanta is also spreading greater awareness about the need to conserve water and nurture existing water sources.

Crown Holdings' beverage can production facilities in Mexico bag ASI Chain of Custody Standard certification

Crown Holdings has received the Chain of Custody Standard V2 (2022) Certification from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) for sustainable beverage cans manufacture at its Mexico facilities. The certification covers Crown's Monterrey headquarters and facilities, including Crown Ensenada, Crown Guadalajara, Crown Toluca, Crown Latas Monterrey, and Crown Cierres Monterrey. These facilities produce beverage cans, can end, and ROPP closures. The ASI Chain of Custody Standard V2 Certification presents specific requirements for the creation of a Chain of Custody for material that is produced and processed through the value chain into diverse downstream sectors. Crown Holdings has received this certification after undergoing a stringent, independent audit by DNV Business Assurance Services U.K. Ltd.