Aluminium’s decarbonisation challenge extends beyond the electricity powering its smelters. Inside the reduction cell, electrode quality influences how efficiently that electricity is used, how much carbon is consumed and how consistently the process performs. Improving electrodes therefore offers producers a practical opportunity to address operating costs and emissions together. For Switzerland-based R&D Carbon , understanding the relationship between raw materials, electrode quality and industrial performance has been a focus for four decades. Founded in 1986 by Werner K. Fischer, the company built on carbon research previously undertaken at Swiss Aluminium Ltd., or Alusuisse. Today, it operates from Granges, near Sierre, with a team of 30 specialists serving more than 150 customers...
Mexico’s aluminum industry is looking to capitalize on rising demand from artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, electric mobility, automotive manufacturing, and aerospace. Expanding technology investments and international market opportunities are expected to support sales growth, while the country’s reliance on imported aluminum highlights the importance of strengthening domestic processing capabilities. Ramón Beltrán, president of Mexico’s National Chamber of the Aluminum Industry (Canalum), expects the country’s domestic and international aluminum sales to gain momentum in 2026, supported by demand from advanced technology applications and established manufacturing sectors. “We expect to close out this year with growth of between 7.5% and 7.8% in domestic and international...
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In a market increasingly ruled by emissions accountability, the LME has stepped forward with a landmark measure to align metals trading with the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As of June 15, 2025, all listed aluminium brands are required to submit verified emissions data through LMEpassport, the exchange’s digital certificate system. Image source: https://www.consultancy.uk/ At its core, the initiative is about harmonising with Brussels. The LME emissions reporting form asks producers to disclose Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, tailored precisely to match EU CBAM standards. Reporting is mandatory for brands under Primary Aluminium, Aluminium Alloy, and NASAAC. Prior to the recent development, on May 1 2024, the LME released a consultation on the proposed...
In a strategic blend of sustainability and community welfare in Odisha, India — Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a unit of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, has taken a step to ensure people in the area have a safe drinking water supply. The firm has inaugurated two Swajal water supply projects along with five solar-powered tube wells. Image source: IndiaMART The rising waterborne diseases and increased deaths from drinking contaminated water have come to the notice of the leading Indian business, and thus, UAIL has aggressively worked towards ensuring an adequate and safe water supply. Villages, especially in the remote areas of Odisha, such as Rayalaghaty and Kaliacanchera under the Kodipari Panchayat of the Kashipur block, usually depend on streams or open...
In a country where water scarcity is both a rural crisis and an industrial liability, few sectors are as thirsty and as scrutinised as the aluminium industry. With primary aluminium production requiring anywhere between 20,000 to 40,000 litres of water per tonne, efficient water use isn’t just an operational concern; it’s a socio-environmental imperative. While reliance on dated, extractive water systems and rudimentary discharge mechanisms usage remains a key focus area to work upon as an industry, Vedanta Aluminium has helmed sustainable operations with a narrative of an apt blend of recycling, zero-liquid discharge, and community water stewardship. Image for representational purposes only What typically happens to water in aluminium production Water is integral across the aluminium...
Constellium and TARMAC Aerosave have unlocked a new milestone in aerospace recycling and sustainability for end-of-life aircraft. The initiative titled 'The successful recycling and remelting of aluminium from end-of-life aircraft into high-performance material ready for future aerospace applications' underscores aluminium's vital role in advancing circular economy goals within the aerospace industry, delivering sustainability without sacrificing performance. Image Source: TARMAC Aerosave After months of collaborative research and development, with key support from Airbus and ValoER, Constellium has successfully remelted aluminium recovered by TARMAC Aerosave from decommissioned commercial aircraft. The result is a high-quality material that meets the demanding performance standards...
Norsk Hydro has been in the headlines for contradictory reasons. On the one hand, they have been announcing closures, curbs, and a temporary hiring freeze, and on the other, they have made news for investments, expansions, and inaugurations in the past few months. Given Norsk Hydro’s repeated reaffirmations of its strategic commitment to its 2030 vision, it is time to assess its actions’ substance and scope. Image for referential purposes only The most recent announcement made by Hydro is that it is temporarily freezing its hiring of ‘white collar workers’ for affected areas. However, it has also been mentioned that hiring in the Business areas will remain unaffected. This measure, as mentioned in the official press release, is explicitly undertaken to strengthen the company’s “future...
Norsk Hydro ASA has announced the successful placement of its inaugural European Green Bond (EuGB), issuing EUR 500 million (USD 571 million) in senior unsecured bonds under its Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme. To be listed on the Irish Stock Exchange (Euronext Dublin), the bond carries a tenure of eight years and a fixed annual coupon rate of 3.75 per cent, with a reoffer yield of 3.779 per cent. Image credit: hydro “We are delighted to have completed such a successful placement and issued our inaugural EuGB. The strong interest confirms that Hydro is considered an attractive investment for bond investors, supporting our strategy of pioneering the green aluminium transition, powered by renewable energy. We are pleased to have achieved highly competitive terms,” said Trond Olaf...
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s leading ‘premium aluminium’ producer, has long been a trailblazer in the global metals sector. From being the first in the Middle East to join the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative to pioneering the international sale of UAE-developed industrial technology, EGA has consistently set benchmarks. Building on this legacy, EGA has now taken a significant step toward advancing rare metal production. In collaboration with the Tawazun Council and RTX , EGA has signed a MoU to establish the UAE’s first gallium production source further cementing its leadership in strategic material development and sustainable industrial growth. Now here comes the question – Why Gallium? Gallium (Ga) is closely linked to the aluminium industry, as it is commonly recovered...
In a landmark move, China’s East Hope Group (EHG), one of the world’s leading non-ferrous metals conglomerates, has unveiled plans to invest over USD 12 billion in Kazakhstan’s green aluminium and non-ferrous metals sector. The announcement came following high-level talks on February 17, 2025, between EHG’s General Director Changjun Meng and top Kazakh officials, including First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar and the leadership of Kazakh Invest. Image source: https://www.energyinnovation.net.au/ What the project entails The investment blueprint by East Hope Group outlines the development of a vertically integrated industrial complex that will span multiple regions across Kazakhstan. This megaproject is expected to include a mining and raw material processing plant, a full-fledged...
When energy heavyweights, financiers and geopolitical policymakers convened at CERAWeek 2025, they confronted a truth too long ignored: the path to a net-zero future is being redrawn by geopolitics, national security imperatives and a resurgent fossil-fuel lobby. The publication titled ‘The energy transition’s disrupted path forward’ by S&P Global Commodity Insights, which gathers all the key points from the convention, it is clear that what emerges is not an orderly glide to clean power, but a fractured landscape where ‘energy security’ increasingly trumps decarbonisation. For industry leaders and investors, this realignment demands recalibrated strategies, deeper risk assessments and a readiness to pivot on both policy and market fronts. Image for representational purposes only (Source:...
RUSAL has officially launched commercial production of its new Primary Equivalent Foundry Alloys (PEFA), tailored for the automotive industry. These innovative alloys incorporate up to 40 per cent post-consumer aluminium scrap, marking a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing in the sector. The production is being carried out at the Irkutsk Aluminium Smelter, where RUSAL has also expanded the use of recycled metals. The PEFA production builds upon the company’s earlier initiative launched in early 2023, which began with trial runs incorporating 20 per cent end-of-life aluminium scrap. The process integrates post-consumer scrap into molten low-carbon ALLOW aluminium, RUSAL’s proprietary brand made using renewable energy sources. This production method results in a carbon...
In a world waking up to the urgency of climate action, World Environment Day stands as a global call not just to protect what we have, but to rethink how we build, consume, and innovate. At the heart of this transformation lies a remarkable element - aluminium. Light in weight but mighty in purpose, aluminium is quietly powering the green revolution. From solar frames that harness the sun, to electric vehicles that glide cleaner and farther, to buildings that breathe efficiency aluminium is the material of endless possibility and zero compromise. What makes it extraordinary? It’s infinitely recyclable retaining its strength and quality no matter how many lives it lives. Talking about recyclability, recycling lies at the very soul of aluminium. Unlike most materials, it can be melted down...
In a metal market battered by volatile prices, inflationary stress, and escalating scrutiny over climate credentials, Alcoa’s 2024 Sustainability Report arrives not just as a routine corporate checklist but as a statement of ambition — and, in some areas, quiet disruption. With operations sprawling across 30 global facilities — from bauxite mines to smelters and casthouses — the US-based aluminium major shoulders more than just metal output; it shoulders a reputation. But does Alcoa’s latest ESG report genuinely reflect industry leadership, or is it a slick exercise in eco-branding? Let’s unpack the facts, compare performance, and critically assess how the numbers stack up. Renewable power — a benchmark or a baseline? In 2024, 86 per cent of the electricity powering Alcoa’s smelters came...
We are already well-versed in the fact that China is the top country which invests in and consumes energy. As of 2025, China is expected to indulge in higher spending on energy than the US and EU combined. Moreover, in the past few years, China has securely moved their investment in global clean energy up to 33 per cent from 25 per cent. This spending has been distributed between wind, nuclear, batteries, solar and nuclear. It's only been 6 months into 2025, and the total global energy investment is expected to create a new record of USD 3.3 trillion. However, this is subject to the world facing high economic fluctuations and rising geopolitical risks. From the new global record of investment, the majority of the share, USD 2.2 trillion, would be devoted to developing clean technologies....
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CANPACK, one of the leading global manufacturers of high-quality packaging solutions, with a legacy that began over 30 years ago has shown remarkable results in their sustainability report for 2024. Headquartered in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, the company is touted as the fourth largest supplier of aluminium beverage cans in the world. In 2024, CANPACK bagged the position as the second largest supplier of aluminium beverage cans in Europe. This is not just it; the company has also managed to reduce its Scope 2 emissions by 96 per cent in 2023 and has unlocked several other milestones followed by bagging prestigious recognitions. Renowned for its advanced technology, deep industry expertise, and strong commitment to sustainability, CANPACK continues to set new standards in packaging...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has announced an expanded partnership with PwC India on World Environment Day, signifying a major collaboration with the global professional services firm. The goal? - To boost their green endeavours across verticals. Image source: Vedanta Last month also, the aluminium behemoth announced a series of green initiatives dedicated to preserving biodiversity across its operational regions in Odisha and Chhattisgarh. Strategic expansion beyond initial scope The original biodiversity project at Vedanta's Jharsuguda smelter has advanced into a complete sustainability framework. The company, producing over half of India’s aluminium – 2.42 million tonnes in FY25, has an enormous impact on the environment. With this partnership, it now targets...
DECO Australia leads the way in sustainable architecture by prioritising ethical sourcing, low-carbon aluminium and traceable supply chains as an ASI member. Their dedication to environmental responsibility and community values sets a benchmark in innovative, sustainable building materials. The energy-intensive process of producing virgin aluminium, especially during smelting, highlights the critical need for lower-carbon solutions. DECO has become the first building company to adopt Capral Aluminium’s LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium across its entire Capral supply, setting a strong example for the industry. “Growing environmental pressures, increased regulatory scrutiny and the rising demand from consumers and stakeholders for responsible sourcing are all key factors,” stated Richard...
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE’s largest industrial company outside the oil and gas sector, has taken a bold step forward in protecting its workforce this summer by introducing cutting-edge wearable safety technology as part of its annual ‘Beat the Heat’ campaign. With outdoor temperatures soaring during the UAE summer, heat-related illness poses a serious threat, especially for those working around-the-clock in EGA’s high-temperature industrial environments. But EGA is no stranger to this challenge. A global front-runner in heat safety, the company hasn’t recorded a single heat-related illness case since 2021. EGA is raising the bar even higher The new wearable tech will give real-time data on workers’ physical conditions, helping detect early signs of heat stress and enabling...
The Department of Energy has reversed its course, announcing the withdrawal of USD 3.7 billion in funding previously awarded to clean energy and manufacturing projects under the Biden administration. Image credit: energy.gov The decision affects 24 projects across sectors like advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation and chemical manufacturing. Recipients range from giants like Exxon Mobil and Kraft Heinz to startups like Skyven, Brimstone and Sublime Systems. Brimstone Energy, also working on low-carbon cement and alumina production, responded with cautious optimism. The startup emphasised its alignment with national priorities, particularly around boosting domestic critical mineral output. “Given our project’s strong alignment with President Trump’s priority to increase US...
