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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A German aluminium extrusion company apt Holding GmbH has reportedly achieved the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for two of its European facilities - apt Extrusions GmbH & Co. KG facility in Germany and apt Holding GmbH’s apt Extrusions B.V. facility in the Netherlands. The facility in Germany has remelting and casthouse operations for extrusion billets, four extrusion presses, an anodising plant, and mechanical machining capabilities. The Netherlands facility includes two extrusion presses, an anodising plant, and mechanical machining operations. apt Holding GmbH is specialised in producing extruded profiles destined for the construction, transportation, automotive, and industrial sectors. Its current production capacities include 80,000 tonnes per year for extrusion...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Valor Alloys, LLC as the new Production & Transformation member. Valor Alloys is not just a member, but a passionate advocate for recycling aluminium materials sourced from both industrial entities and the public, breathing new life into what was once considered waste. The company aims to establish collaborative partnerships with diverse sources to breathe new life into previously discarded aluminium materials. Its vision is to ethically use discarded or previously used materials by employing advanced remelting and alloying processes tailored to specific industry standards or customer specifications. “Valor Alloys, LLC has joined the ASI to partner with the organisation to further explore and execute solutions to reduce its...
In an epoch where environmental consciousness permeates every facet of consumerism, Starbucks embarks on an innovative journey towards sustainability. Teaming up with Podback, a pioneering force in recycling initiatives, Starbucks plans to reshape the landscape of aluminium coffee pod disposal in the UK. With the inception of the Starbucks At Home range in 2019, the coffee giant introduced a novel means for aficionados to savour the essence of Starbucks within their own abodes. However, amidst the fervour of coffee pod consumption, the exigency for accessible recycling avenues remains tampered. Addressing this pressing need, Starbucks and Podback fortify their collaboration, extending their reach to encompass Starbucks' UK retail operations. This strategic alliance envisages a future...
On May 1, 2024, the London Metals Exchange (LME) initiated a consultation process mandating aluminium brand producers, eligible for delivery under its contracts, to furnish carbon emissions data by March 2025. The objective is to synchronise the aluminium market with the stipulations of Europe's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes carbon-related expenses on specific imported goods. LME-approved primary aluminium producers and aluminium alloy producers, as well as participants in the North American Special Aluminium Alloy Contract (NASAAC), will be required to furnish emissions data for both Scope 1 and Scope 2 to the trading and price-formation venue of choice for industrial metals globally (LME). This clear and straightforward requirement ensures their compliance...
Since 2020, Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (AC-CCSWB) has slashed its carbon emissions by 46 million pounds, equivalent to the greenhouse gas output of nearly 18,500 cars driven for a year. CCSWB is leaving no stone unturned to reduce their carbon footprints and increase the use of recycled materials like aluminium. CCSWB's sustainable initiatives This impressive reduction is just one facet of CCSWB's commitment to sustainability. At the Sips and Sounds Festival at Waterloo Greenway Park in Austin, attendees were encouraged to recycle at designated stations. In exchange for their plastic bottles and aluminium cans, participants received tickets redeemable for festival merchandise, fostering a culture of sustainability. Post-event, CCSWB volunteers joined forces with Keep...
On April 25, 2024, the Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (RVCMC) publicised that it had selected Xpansiv, the leading provider of market infrastructure for the global energy transition, to provide technological support for the forthcoming Saudi Arabian carbon credit exchange. This decision represents a notable advancement toward RVCMC's goal of amplifying worldwide supply and demand to facilitate vital climate finance to regions in need within the Global South. The establishment of the exchange stems from the triumph of RVCMC’s voluntary carbon credit auctions in October 2022 and June 2023, both of which marked unprecedented milestones as the largest-ever voluntary carbon credit auctions globally. In June 2023, it was reported that RVCMC successfully sold over 2.2 million tonnes of...
A study by the Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) suggests that India's aluminium sector requires an additional investment of roughly $29 billion (INR 2.2 lakh crore) in capital expenditure (CAPEX) to attain net-zero carbon emissions. The research underscores that renewable energy (RE) has the potential to reduce 49 per cent of the industry's emissions. However, the study notes that depending entirely on RE poses challenges due to its intermittent availability. In the fiscal year 2019-20, the Indian aluminium industry , integral to both the power sector and economy, discharged 77 million tonnes of CO 2 . Predominantly, 80 per cent of these emissions stemmed from electricity usage. A research project reveals that transitioning to a net-zero emissions aluminium industry would...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Alle Alumínio Ltda as the new Production and Transformation member. Based in Betim, Minas Gerais, Alle epitomises excellence, innovation, and dependability at its core, positioning us as the premier company in Minas Gerais for secondary aluminium alloy production. About Alle Alumínio As a cornerstone of the national aluminium market, Alle Alumínio provides its clientele with products renowned for their unrivalled quality and reliability, fostering the preservation of the company’s environment, cultivating business prospects for society, and championing the circular economy. Alle Alumínio furnishes the market with products boasting a "green aluminium" imprint by harnessing endlessly recyclable raw materials. The company's...
Century Aluminum's ambitious proposal aims to revitalise the U.S. aluminium sector while aligning with the Biden administration's climate goals. However, the project's realisation hinges on securing sufficient renewable energy sources, presenting a critical juncture for Kentucky's economic and environmental future. The company's endeavour to reduce emissions and reliance on fossil fuels highlights the imperative for accessible clean energy. Kentucky's challenge lies in cultivating renewable energy infrastructure, a crucial factor in attracting and retaining large-scale industrial projects. Economic opportunities vs. energy transition The potential investment in Northeast Kentucky signifies a transformative opportunity for a region grappling with economic decline. However, the decision to...
Nestled in the tranquil Nashik Valley of India, Sula Vineyards stands as a beacon of excellence, renowned for its exceptional wines and unwavering commitment to sustainable viticulture. Having said this, in a continued effort to sustainable packaging, the company also introduced many of its flagship wines in recyclable aluminium cans, showing its commitment towards lighter, more eco-friendly packaging solutions. Bagging the Gold-Level certification This unwavering commitment to ecological stewardship has propelled them to the forefront of global viticulture, earning them a coveted Gold-level certification from the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA) in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24). Among the first ten wineries worldwide to achieve this honour, Sula's dedication to innovative...
Enfinity Global, a trailblazer in renewable energy, recently achieved a significant milestone by securing ¥29.2 billion ($195 million) financing for a solar power project in Japan. This innovative endeavour, nestled in the picturesque Aomori Prefecture, promises to revolutionise Japan's energy landscape while championing sustainability and innovation. Enfinity Global, renowned for its commitment to clean energy solutions, has unveiled a monumental achievement in the form of a 70 MW solar power plant in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. Nomura Securities and Aozora Bank orchestrated the financial orchestration, signalling a paradigm shift towards renewable energy investments. The recently completed solar power plant is poised to generate over 75 GWh of clean energy annually. This substantial...
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a collaborative effort within the aluminium sector to advance sustainability across the entire value chain. ASI certification serves as a testament to the commitment of both aluminium producers and users to uphold high standards in social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and ethical practices, ensuring mutual benefits for all involved stakeholders. On Monday, April 29, ASI announced the joining of Asist Alüminyum Profil San. ve Tic (Asistal) as the new Production & Transformation member. As a leading global manufacturer, they operate in 40 countries across the Balkans, Europe, the Middle East, and Central America, enriching lives since 1994. The state-of-the-art production facilities span over 50,000 m² outdoor area, with an...
Montreal-headquartered Deep Sky, a specialist in carbon removal projects, and Carbfix, a pioneer in CO 2 mineral storage solutions, have joined forces to investigate the feasibility of CO 2 mineral storage in Canada. A preliminary study assessing Quebec's reservoirs for CO 2 mineral storage is set to be completed by June. The research entails analysing geological and geochemical data from underground sources and conducting laboratory investigations on ultramafic rock formations found in various areas throughout Québec. This collaborative effort aims to evaluate the geophysical characteristics of these rocks, including porosity and permeability, to determine their reactivity and identify suitable sites for injection and monitoring wells. The gathered data will assess the feasibility of...
Hi-MO X6 solar panels have joined forces with OneSky Aluminum, illuminating the path toward a sustainable future for the aluminium industry in the Philippines. This dynamic collaboration not only enhances operational efficiency but also signifies a pivotal shift toward renewable energy sources. In the heart of the Philippines, OneSky Aluminum, a prominent player in the non-ferrous metal industry, has begun a transformative journey fuelled by solar power. Recognising the environmental imperative and the need for sustainable energy solutions, OneSky Aluminum has embraced the cutting-edge Hi-MO X6 solar panels across its sprawling factory rooftops. Renewable efficiency unleashed: Hi-MO X6 in action With a relentless commitment to efficiency, OneSky Aluminum has installed 1.3 MW of Hi-MO X6...
Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, has started deploying a greener fuel mix composed of biomass briquettes for renewable energy source at its world-class alumina refinery in Lanjigarh, Odisha. The company currently uses 20 tonnes of the new fuel mix per day as a significant move towards achieving Net Zero Carbon by 2050 or sooner. Biomass briquettes are a biofuel substitute made of biodegradable green waste with lower emissions of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide than traditional fuel sources. So, using this new fuel mix will help Vedanta decrease greenhouse gas emissions from its refinery by more than 10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. In addition, shifting to this fuel will also reduce the company’s reliance on fossil fuels. “As India works towards...
In support of the Indian government's pursuit of a net-zero emission target by 2070, a PwC India survey reveals that 51 per cent of the top 100 companies have initiated voluntary disclosures regarding their carbon emissions. Additionally, the survey highlights that approximately 31 per cent of these companies have outlined their net-zero targets. Government and regulatory bodies have implemented new regulations regarding ESG (environmental, social, and governance). India's adoption of BRSR Core standards positions it as a leading player in the global shift toward a more credible and transparent landscape for sustainability reporting. The BRSR Core framework is enforced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to encourage listed entities to disclose their environmental,...
On Tuesday, 23 April, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Ye Chiu Metal Smelting has achieved the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) for its secondary aluminium alloy ingot manufacturing operations in Johor, Malaysia. This facility, among the largest in Asia for aluminium recycling, specialises in producing alloy ingots from scrap aluminium. Its infrastructure includes melting and holding furnaces, casting lines, and stacking machines, enabling it to process over 40,000 tonnes annually. SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services conducted the independent audit of Ye Chiu Metal Smelting Sdn. Bhd. “Ye Chiu Group has achieved a major milestone by obtaining the Performance Standard Certification, which recognises its commitment to responsible production practices in the...
Leeds Station becomes an embodiment of environmental consciousness as a towering rainbow installation, crafted from over 2,500 recycled aluminium cans, graces its surroundings. This awe-inspiring structure, a testament to Every Can Counts' commitment to recycling advocacy, arrives just in time for Earth Day. Every Can Counts, a not-for-profit organisation, stands at the helm of the global movement towards sustainable living. With a network spanning over 192 countries, they tirelessly educate and empower individuals to embrace recycling as a lifestyle. Celebrating Earth Day in a sustainable way As the world commemorates Earth Day, the focus intensifies on diversifying, educating, and activating environmental stewardship. The vibrant rainbow outside Leeds Station symbolises this collective...
