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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Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has announced an expansion of its partnership with Hyundai Mobis, the global automotive parts manufacturer, to increase the supply of CelestiAL solar aluminium. This enhanced agreement builds on their existing relationship, which began in 2015. Under the updated terms, the annual supply of CelestiAL to Hyundai Mobis will grow from 8,000 tonnes this year to as much as 15,000 tonnes by 2026. Looking ahead, EGA and Hyundai Mobis plan to explore a long-term supply arrangement beyond 2026, focusing on value-added products such as billets, primary foundry alloys, and recycled aluminium. The two companies will also collaborate on developing innovative, exclusive alloys tailored for advanced automotive applications. Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer...
On May 29, 2025, the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) announced its collaboration with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition of the industry to a circular economy. With this collaboration, both firms shall focus on improving the aluminium beverage can collection systems and validating closed-loop recycling. Collaboration focus The collaboration between the two firms has been done by constituting two major initiatives, which are WBCSD's Critical Materials Collective and IAI's Global Beverage Can Circularity Alliance (GBCCA). IAI and WBCSD will design aluminium products which would be easy to recycle as well as prevent downcycling and attain good quality recycled aluminium covering the entire value chain. The...
India and the United Kingdom have recently concluded negotiations on a long-anticipated Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at unlocking bilateral trade potential and reducing tariff barriers. The deal is expected to usher in smoother market access for Indian goods, from textiles and engineering products to aluminium and steel. But even before implementation begins, an invisible tariff threatens to erode these gains: the United Kingdom’s upcoming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Image for representational purposes only (Source: https://x.com/narendramodi/) Set to take effect from January 1, 2027, the UK CBAM is designed to level the playing field between domestic and imported goods by placing a carbon cost on high-emission imports. In doing so, it mirrors the European Union’s CBAM,...
With over 34 billion aluminium cans produced annually, Brazil’s can industry is making bold strides toward greater sustainability and a game-changing innovation from Henkel. Unveiled at the Latamcan 2025 fair in Atibaia (SP), Henkel’s new Bonderite C-IC 72003 Pre-Cleaner (70203) is setting a new standard for eco-friendly can production. This cutting-edge solution slashes the washing process temperature from the conventional 60 °C down to just 50 °C, dramatically cutting energy use while maintaining performance. The impact? A cleaner, greener production line. “Brazil recycles 100 per cent of the cans that are produced in the country. Having a more sustainable process in production also means keeping up with the sector’s evolution, not to mention that this reduces costs and risks for...
South32 Limited, a mining and metals company headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, has secured $4.4 million government funding to accelerate its carbon emission reduction efforts at Worsley Alumina Refinery, which will eventually bring the company close to its net-zero carbon emission goals by 2050. Image source: ARENA The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said the funding would support South32 in conducting a pre-feasibility study to examine four investment options for partially replacing fossil fuel-based steam generation with renewable energy-powered systems at Worsley refinery. This shift will enable the company reduce direct carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable future. This funding is part of ARENA’s $400 million Industrial...
India’s renewable energy landscape is poised for a significant turnaround with three major solar project announcements from Adani Green Energy, Jindal India Thermal Power and Alpex Solar. These developments come at a critical juncture, as the country witnessed a notable 25 per cent drop in new solar capacity additions in the first quarter of 2025. Image source: britannica India added just 6.7 gigawatts of solar capacity in Q1 2025, down from 9 gigawatts during the same period in 2024. The decline was attributed to delayed project commissioning, supply chain bottlenecks and cautious investor sentiment. However, recent announcements in the sector signal a revival in momentum that could help bridge this capacity gap in the coming months. Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL) has commissioned 187.5...
Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) has reportedly expanded its EternAl™ low-carbon range with the launch of ‘EternAl-AC’, a new line featuring verified carbon offsets from Alba’s own operational efficiencies. Image source: Alba Owing to features like carbon offset mechanism and a tiered carbon classification system spanning net-zero footprint (EternAl-ACO) to up to 4 tonnes CO₂e per tonne (AC4), EternAl-AC contributes directly to carbon reduction goals, helping customers with flexible, transparent low-carbon solutions providing clear and verified data. This new product range also enables customers to access traceable, third-party verified greenhouse gas (GHG) offsets originating from Alba’s internal sustainability initiatives. Also read: Alba, the first Middle-Eastern aluminium smelter,...
To support France’s push for greener infrastructure, French startup Closura has introduced aluminium solar carports that combine renewable energy generation with durable, lightweight construction. Built from marine-grade aluminium, these structures are designed to help businesses and municipalities meet new sustainability mandates, reduce energy costs and lower their carbon footprints. Image credit: Closura Based in Le Thou, southwestern France, Closura’s initiative responds to the Climate and Resilience Act (2021) and the APER Act (2023), which require large parking lots to install photovoltaic canopies over at least 50 per cent of their area between 2026 and 2028. The choice of marine-grade aluminium for the carports ensures durability and lightness, making the structures resilient...
In 2025, the global coffee industry is intensifying efforts to enhance supply chain sustainability. This initiative addresses environmental concerns and aligns with evolving consumer expectations. The focus spans from farming practices to packaging materials, aiming to reduce the sector's ecological footprint. Image credit: nescafe Aluminium, prevalent in coffee packaging, is central to sustainability discussions. While it offers durability and preservation benefits, its environmental impact is high. The industry is exploring alternatives and recycling methods to mitigate these effects. Major players like Nestlé have launched initiatives promoting regenerative agriculture among coffee farmers. Their goal is to source 100% responsibly produced coffee by 2025, with a major portion from...
Rio Tinto is reportedly investing USD 1.2 billion to modernise its Isle-Maligne hydroelectric power plant in Alma, Quebec. The plant, commissioned in 1926, is being upgraded to support low-carbon aluminium production in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The project began in May 2025 and will run until 2032, ensuring a safer and more reliable renewable energy supply to key facilities. Image credit: Rio Tinto This marks Rio Tinto’s largest single investment in its hydro assets since the 1950s. The modernisation will help protect long-term operations and maintain the jobs of employees across the region. The upgrade will also ensure more efficient and sustainable energy supply for smelters, casting houses and other facilities. Aluminium production at Rio Tinto depends on clean and consistent...
Solar panels aren't just shiny rooftop add-ons anymore—they're silent powerhouses turning sunlight into serious savings and sustainability. And now, the Cardiff-based aluminium fabricator Dudley's Aluminium along with Inspire Green, a South Wales-based renewable energy company, is powering up for a greener future. Together, they aim to install 192 high-efficiency solar panels and solar-powered EV charging stations on Dudley's production facility in Cardiff. This will help the company cut down on emissions and energy costs. Josh Powell, founder of Inspire Green, said, "We're incredibly proud to support a local business like Dudley's Aluminium on their net zero journey and to play our part in building a more sustainable future." With this system in place, Dudley's Aluminium is set to reduce...
On the journey to sustainable manufacturing, Stormtech, a pioneer in architectural drainage solutions, has taken a significant step by integrating Capral Aluminium's LocAl® Super Green aluminium into its Wave Grate product. The initiative was announced in Australia as part of the company's ongoing commitment to reduce environmental impact through low-carbon material choices and responsible design practices. Image source: capral Capral’s LocAl® Super Green aluminium offers a notably low carbon footprint of just 4kg CO₂e per kilogram, roughly three times lower than the global average. Using such aluminium ensures the Wave Grate maintains its premium performance while dramatically lowering its embodied carbon footprint. The Wave Grate itself is known for its sleek linear profile and...
No matter what industry it is, the demand for aluminium is skyrocketing alongside the urge to attain products which are sustainable, recycled and environmentally friendly. Rising demand for aluminium is surging due to the sectoral shift towards reducing GHG emissions. Hence, rapid aluminium usage is done in the renewable energy sector and electric vehicles (EV). For this, China has set their production cap to 45 million tonnes as their initiative to achieve low-carbon production. In 2024, the global low-carbon aluminium production stood at 55.2 million tonnes indicating the rapid shift. Demand from renewable energy sector Key features of aluminium, likely corrosion-resistance, durability and lightweight strength, are contributing towards the global demand for the same in the renewable...
On Tuesday, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal firmly asserted that India will impose retaliatory tariffs if the European Union proceeds with its plan to implement a carbon tax on Indian products. He highlighted the diminishing importance of climate change discussions and categorised the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) as “extremely irrational regulations.” Image for representational purposes only “If they will put in a carbon tax, and now there is a big if for obvious reasons. If they do put it in, we will retaliate. They will put it on products which really will hurt their own economy, and the retaliation will further hurt their economy,” Goyal conveyed during an event in New Delhi. “I think it will be very silly, particularly to put a tax on friendly...
In a bold step towards a greener future, Capral Aluminium has partnered with Australian clean-tech innovator Green Energy Systems (GES) to power the next generation of solar solutions. Under this agreement, Capral will provide its LocAl™ lower-carbon aluminium extrusions for use in the system's production. Headquartered in Sydney, Green Energy Systems is dedicated to advancing utility-scale solar with its patented deployment technology. GES dedicated two years of their time and hard work to present the much-awaited Solar Waves solar deployment system, setting a new benchmark in clean energy innovation. The Solar Waves solution will debut in a pilot installation over water canals in California. This initiative—led by collaboration between the Turlock Irrigation District, Solar AquaGrid,...
In March 2025, Cadoux Ltd, an Australian critical minerals company, progressed its High Purity Alumina (HPA) and Minhub rare earths projects. These initiatives, located in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, aim to bolster Australia's aluminium supply chain. The company advanced through engineering studies and permitting processes to achieve this goal. Image source: wikipedia.org The Minhub project, a multi-client rare earths processing facility in the Northern Territory, completed its site permitting process. Initial site works have commenced, with IHC Mining leading the feasibility study. For the HPA project, Cadoux neared completion of its Stage 1 engineering feasibility study. Stage 2 works have been initiated, focusing on innovative engineering solutions and market...
From morning brews to meaningful action—Asda shoppers are turning their daily coffee habits into a force for good. Since the beginning of 2025, customers have recycled over 3 million coffee pods through the retailer's innovative new scheme. Through the Podback scheme, both plastic and aluminium coffee pods are recycled within the UK. Rolled out in January in partnership with Podback, the initiative provides a hassle-free way for coffee lovers to drop off their used pods at more than 600 Asda stores across the UK. The used coffee grounds undergo anaerobic digestion, converting them into renewable energy and nutrient-rich soil improvers. Meanwhile, the recovered aluminium and plastic are repurposed into new products, including drink cans, construction materials, and outdoor furniture. In...
The UK government has facilitated a technical consultation on draft legislation for its own Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), clarifying its scope, calculation and administration ahead of a July 3, 2025 deadline. From January 1 2027 (a year after the European Union’s CBAM implementation), the nation-imposed CBAM will place a carbon price on imports of emissions-intensive goods, including aluminium, safeguarding domestic producers against ‘carbon leakage’. It targets UK businesses importing over GBP 50,000 of specified goods in a 12-month period while exempting certain scrap products. The mechanism ensures that imported goods “face a carbon price which is comparable to the carbon price paid by domestic producers”. Image for representational purposes only Consultation, timeline and...
