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 commemoration of Earth Day, MATBUS is once again rolling out its commendable initiative, urging passengers to trade in a token of goodwill for a ride. From April 22nd to 27th, hop aboard by simply donating an aluminium can. This act not only symbolises environmental consciousness but also contributes to a greater cause. In 2023, this noble gesture amassed a remarkable 163 pounds of aluminium cans, with the recycling proceeds generously benefiting the Homeward Animal Shelter. MATBUS, the lifeline of the Fargo, North Dakota, and Moorhead, Minnesota Metropolitan Area, stands as an epitome of sustainability. Beyond just facilitating transportation, MATBUS embodies a commitment to reducing carbon footprints and fostering eco-friendly practices. Did you know that a single MATBUS vehicle,...
By taking an unexpected turn from its original logo, Coca-Cola introduces 'Recycle Me,' an innovative global out-of-home advertising initiative. Leveraging the universally recognised red-and-white emblem, the campaign aims to inspire recycling by portraying the Coke logo in a crumpled, recycled aluminium can aesthetic. Unlike conventional digital manipulation, Ogilvy, the creative force behind 'Recycle Me,' opted for an analogue approach. Employing mechanical presses and vacuums, actual Coke cans were crushed to craft unique, authentic visuals for each outdoor advertisement. This painstaking process infuses the campaign with an unparalleled sense of grounded authenticity, resonating deeply with viewers. Beyond its marketing appeal, 'Recycle Me' highlights Coca-Cola's commitment to...
A recent study led by researchers from UCL - The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction found that 19 out of 34 surveyed countries fell short of fulfilling their climate commitments established in Copenhagen 15 years ago by 2020. A recent study featured in Nature Climate Change examined the net carbon emissions of over 30 nations compared to the emission reduction targets they committed to during the Copenhagen Climate Summit in 2009. Conducted by a team of researchers from UCL and Tsinghua University, this paper represents the inaugural attempt to thoroughly assess the extent to which countries fulfilled their emission reduction promises outlined in their Nationally Determined Contributions from COP15. Nature Climate Change is dedicated to publishing the most significant research...
Every year on April 22 nd , people worldwide celebrate Earth Day, a momentous occasion dedicated to environmental awareness and action. It serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve the planet for future generations. This Earth Day, as we reflect on the impact of human activity on the environment, it is imperative to recognise the crucial role of sustainable materials in mitigating ecological damage. Aluminium is a leading sustainable material renowned for its versatility, durability, and recyclability. Aluminium has emerged as a cornerstone of modern civilisation with its myriad applications across various industries. However, beyond its functional prowess, aluminium's environmental credentials truly set it apart as the most sustainable material on the...
Take a look at this week's sustainability spotlight in the aluminium industry. In this feature, we explored the transformative initiatives taken by industry leaders to reduce carbon emissions, embrace renewable energy, and promote circular economy principles. We covered Constellium's shift to natural gas, EGA and Masdar's efforts towards decarbonisation, Runaya's pioneering plant in Jharsuguda, Ireland's deposit return scheme, and Hydro Energi's renewable energy endeavours. Each story reflects a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. Join us in illuminating the path towards a more sustainable aluminium industry. Turning the Page: Constellium embraces natural gas and closes coal power at Singen Constellium's Singen facility in Germany, a key aluminium manufacturing plant, has...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has reportedly certified Nanjing Chervon Auto Precision Technology Co., Ltd. against Provisional Performance Standard V2 (2017) certification for the production and sales of aluminium automotive components at Nanjing, China. The certification is valid for one year, during which the company can address the non-conformances assessed and subsequently seek full certification. Nanjing Chervon Auto Precision Technology produces automobile components, including motor housings, steering system components, and electronic brakes and parking components. Nanjiang Chervon Auto Precision Technology Co., Ltd. received the certification after undergoing a stringent, independent third-party audit. Since the initial audit took place before May 31, 2023, the company got a...
More than 130 hectares of land previously used for bauxite mining are set to be repurposed in Đắk Nông province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The plan includes establishing resettlement areas for households who lost their land due to bauxite mining and implementing advanced agricultural practices. The proposal was initiated following a report submitted by the Đắk Nông Aluminium Company, a subsidiary of Việt Nam National Coal - Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited, to the Evaluation Council of the Mineral Mining Closure Project under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The report concerns relinquishing a portion of the land utilized for bauxite ore extraction at the Nhân Cơ bauxite mine . This mine is situated within the administrative boundaries of several...
Ducab Metals Business (DMB), a UAE-based copper and aluminium solutions provider, has reportedly unveiled its new Green Aluminium Rod, produced using recycled aluminium in compliance with the EU's CBAM regulation. The production of DMB's Green Aluminium Rod requires significantly less energy than primary aluminium and emits only 0.5 tonnes of CO2-equivalents per tonne (approx.), reflecting DMB's commitment to turning the aluminium industry into green economy. DMB also follows a zero-waste philosophy and practices sustainable sourcing to contribute to the aluminium industry's broader environmental and sustainable goals. By using recycled aluminium for its new product, DMB has set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility within the sector. Recycled aluminium, the key raw material of...
Aluminium is pivotal in advancing modern technologies to facilitate the transition to sustainable energy. However, its significance comes with a caveat: the substantial emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on a global scale. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), aluminium production alone contributes approximately 3 per cent of GHG emissions, totalling around 270 tonnes. As the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources, the demand for aluminium is poised to surge dramatically by up to 40 per cent by 2030. In recent years, a global movement towards carbon neutrality has gained momentum, with countries worldwide revising their policies and strategies to achieve these goals. This movement is accompanied by a dynamic surge in electric vehicle adoption and a thriving investment...
Constellium has declared its coal-fired power station shutdown at its Singen facility in Germany, marking the culmination of the company's worldwide shift away from coal utilisation. Constellium's plant at Singen is an aluminium manufacturing plant with over 1,500 employees. With its integrated hot/cold rolling line, high-grade cold mills, and one of the largest extrusion presses in the world, the Singen plant is one of Constellium's largest sites. This facility serves the automotive market for structural components and auto body sheets and other markets for special surface applications and packaging. In 2024, the Singen facility has finalised its transition to natural gas, foreseeing a decrease in direct greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 per cent from 2021 to 2025. This move...
As the world travels toward a greener future, sustainable initiatives are on the rise. Throughout the last few months, there have been incredible sustainability-aligned advancements in the aluminium industry at large. This article charts such noble green drives spread across the entire aluminium value chain. All of these activities have been brilliantly planned so that the global call for net zero by 2050 can be realised with ease and sophistication. Norsk Hydro secures renewable energy future with Statkraft partnership Norsk Hydro has embarked on an extended power purchase agreement (PPA) with Statkraft through its clean energy division, Hydro Energi AS. The contract is valid from May 2024 to December 2027 and includes the delivery of 1.28 TWh. The partnership amplifies Norsk Hydro's...
The e-Magazine " ALuminium LeaderSpeak 2024 " by AL Circle delves into the development of technology in the aluminium sector. Aluminium, renowned for its versatility and lightweight nature, stands as a cornerstone in numerous industries, owing to its remarkable properties. As we gaze into the future, a multitude of emerging trends and technologies are poised to redefine the landscape of aluminium, ushering in revolutionary applications, and unlocking unprecedented opportunities. When considering Industry 4.0, the aluminium industry might not immediately spring to mind. Nevertheless, cutting-edge technology is swiftly demonstrating its value in assisting companies to maintain resilience amidst a demanding market landscape. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, technology plays a pivotal...
Masdar, also known as Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, is an Emirati state-owned renewable energy firm that has reportedly agreed to work with Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world's largest 'premium aluminium' producer, on aluminium decarbonisation and low-carbon aluminium growth opportunities. The news came on Wednesday, April 17, after Masdar and EGA signed an alliance in the presence of His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar. Masdar is a global leader in renewable energy. It develops and operates utility-scale renewable energy projects around the world. The alliance between Masdar and EGA will help the aluminium industry decarbonise the otherwise energy-intensive operations by using renewable energy. Commenting...
China Hongqiao Group Limited was recently honoured with the Best Sustainability-Linked Loan for Aluminium (China - Offshore) at The Asset Triple A Awards 2024, hosted by The Asset, a premier financial magazine. Christine Wong attended the prestigious awards ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong on March 12, 2024, as Executive Director and Head of Corporate Finance, and Lucia Yu, Head of Investor Relations, representing China Hongqiao Group. A noteworthy milestone A noteworthy milestone for the group was issuing a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) valued at HK$2.33 billion, with a Green Shoe Option available, in early 2024. As ESG gains prominence in the financial sector, SLLs continue gaining traction in major Asian and global markets. The SLL introduced by China Hongqiao Group...
Green battery anode and advanced materials developer Talga Group is considering its next steps following the conclusion of front-end engineering and design (FEED) activities at the Vittangi anode project in northern Sweden. With a market capitalization of $281 million, Talga reports that the collaboration with key consultants Worley, ABB, and Sweco has resulted in significant enhancements and optimizations across various aspects of the project. These improvements encompass equipment design, production process configurations, and building footprints. The construction costs for the vertically integrated operation are now projected at €560 million, with an additional €39 million contingency. This represents a modest increase from the previous estimate of US$484 million in the July 2021...
Ireland's endeavour towards a sustainable future marks a significant milestone with the successful initiation of its national deposit return scheme. Spearheaded by Re-turn, the scheme has garnered notable traction within its inaugural month, reflecting a promising shift towards enhanced recycling practices. Under the stewardship of Re-turn, Ireland's national deposit return scheme has witnessed remarkable participation, with over two million drinks containers returned within the first month alone. Notably, the scheme reached a zenith on 29th February 2024, with 200,999 containers returned, underscoring a burgeoning acceptance among consumers. Chief Executive's Encouragement Ciaran Foley, CEO of Re-turn, lauds the enthusiastic response of consumers, emphasising the pivotal role they play...
On April 15, 2024, Runaya, a sustainable manufacturing and recycling leader, unveiled its state-of-the-art calcium aluminate plant in Jharsuguda. This milestone signifies a significant step forward in Runaya's quest for environmental stewardship and innovation within the sector. At the heart of Runaya's ethos lies sustainability, as evidenced by its innovative green aluminium recovery plant. With a capacity of 12,000 tonnes per year, this facility is poised to supply premium, eco-friendly products to steel industry clients. By harnessing green raw materials like depleted dross, Runaya pioneers the circular economy concept, thereby reducing its carbon footprint. The calcium aluminate facility marks a strategic expansion of Runaya's Green Aluminium portfolio, introducing RuCal Green, an...
Hydro Energi AS has reportedly entered into a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Alpiq, a Swiss energy provider. As per the contract, Hydro will secure 0.54 TWh of renewable energy from Alpiq during 2025-2033. The power purchase agreement is part of Hydro’s Nordic power portfolio, which consists of captive power production of 9.4 TWh per year and a long-term contract portfolio of around 10 TWh. Hydro has signed this contract in less than a month from signing a similar agreement with Statkraft , according to which, the latter will provide 1.28 TWh of clean energy throughout the timespan of May 2024 to 2027. Access to renewable energy enables Hydro to produce aluminium with 75 per cent less carbon footprint than the global average. This endeavour aligns seamlessly with Hydro’s...
