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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The e-Magazine " ALuminium Casting Industry: Focus 2024 " by AL Circle delves into the significant impact of sustainability on the aluminium casting sector, shaping production methods, operational strategies, and overall industry standards. Firstly, there's a growing emphasis on reducing energy consumption and emissions during production. Aluminium casting companies are investing in energy-efficient technologies and processes to minimise their carbon footprint. Additionally, there's a heightened focus on recycling and reusing aluminium materials. The aluminium casting sector increasingly incorporates recycled aluminium into its production processes, reducing the need for raw materials extraction and minimising waste. Moreover, sustainability considerations are driving innovations in...
Hydro Rein, Hydro's venture into renewable growth, has recently finalised an agreement with the Swedish renewable energy developer IOWN Energy (IOWN) to acquire an 80 per cent stake in a substantial 2.4 GW portfolio of wind power projects. These projects are being developed across Sweden and Norway, spanning electricity price areas SE2, SE3, SE4, and NO2. About the agreement with IOWN The portfolio comprises 23 projects in Sweden and two in Norway, with many land lease agreements already secured. As part of the agreement, Hydro Rein and IOWN will embark on a long-term partnership to co-develop these projects, with an ownership split of 80 per cent for Hydro Rein and 20 per cent for IOWN. At this stage, the projects are in the early phases of development, and both companies plan to...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Thöni Deutschland GmbH as the new Production & Transformation member. For over 50 years, the Thöni Group has been committed to growth and sustainable practices. This strategy permeates every facet of our operations: from aluminium profiles crafted with up to 80 per cent recycled material to automotive components designed for lightweight construction and e-mobility to biogas plants that harness the energy of organic waste. Thöni Deutschland GmbH is an autonomous, family-run enterprise dedicated to flexibility, reliability, and unparalleled customer focus. At the heart of their success lies a commitment to tradition alongside an unwavering drive to forge a sustainable future, all while recognizing our social, ecological, and...
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) employees, between October 2022 and December 2023, collectively recycled 499,541 aluminium cans and plastic bottles in Dubai, thereby diverting 7,108 kilograms (7.1 tonnes) of waste from landfills. DEWA has implemented innovative measures to promote recycling, including installing smart machines in select buildings. These machines are seamlessly integrated with DEWA's Smart Office app, enabling employees to participate in recycling efforts by scanning QR codes. For each recycling activity, participants earn points that can be redeemed for entries into monthly prize drawings. By the end of 2023, DEWA recognised and rewarded 49 employees for their commitment to recycling. The recycling initiatives align with the Circular Economy Policy of the...
On Friday, March 1, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced that it successfully certified Shandong Hongqiao Scholz Circular Economy Science & Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China Hongqiao Group Co., Ltd., against Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification. This certification is a testimony of the facility’s sustainable production of aluminium ingot and liquid metal by re-melting scrap. The plant’s pre-treatment and crushing lines currently dismantle 40,000 scrapped vehicles and produce 200,000 tonnes of recycled aluminium annually. The ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) includes 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainable pillars – Environment, Social, and Governance – with the aim to address pressing sustainability issues in the aluminium value chain. China...
Novelis has recently achieved re-certification to the ASI (Aluminium Stewardship Initiative) Performance Standard V3 for all activities at their site in Sierre, Switzerland. This includes producing aluminium products through various processes such as casting, scalping, hot rolling, cold rolling, continuous heat treatment, finishing, and laser blanking. The company completed these re-certifications after June 1, 2023, ensuring compliance with the updated 2022 Standards. By successfully transitioning to the new certification, Novelis demonstrates its commitment to responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship in the aluminium value chain. The ASI Performance Standard V3 and the Chain of Custody Standard V2 were launched in May 2022, representing a heightened level of ambition for...
In a visionary move towards sustainable energy, Crown Holdings, Inc. has forged a pioneering 15-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) with Enel Green Power España (EGPE), the renewable energy arm of Endesa. This exemplary VPPA marks a significant leap for Crown, securing renewable electricity from a cutting-edge PV project nestled in the sun-kissed lands of Badajoz, Spain. About the agreement This landmark agreement is set to envelop the Crown's current operational presence across European countries within the esteemed Alliance of Issuing Bodies (AIB). This alliance is the custodian of the European Energy Certificate System, offering Crown an unprecedented pathway to propel its ambitious Twentyby30 sustainability program to new heights. By entering into this VPPA, Crown is taking a...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has certified Kobe Steel, Ltd. against Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its subsidiary Kobelco Group’s facility Kobelco Automotive Aluminum Rolled Products (China) Co., Ltd., in Tianjin, China. The facility manufactures and supplies Series 5000 and 6000 lightweight aluminium alloy plate and strip products for the automotive industry. It has production lines for heat treatment, surface treatment, longitudinal cutting, cross-cutting, and auxiliary facilities. The plant has an annual output capacity of 100,000 tonnes of producing aluminium alloy automotive sheet metal. ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) was launched in May 2022 after several rounds of revision over the years. It includes 11 principles and 62 criteria under three sustainability...
On February 29, 2024, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the country outside the oil and gas sector, marked a significant milestone. The company announced the groundbreaking for the region's inaugural 100 per cent renewable energy-powered industrial data centres at its Jebel Ali and Al Taweelah sites. About the upcoming data centres The upcoming data centres will bolster the resilience of EGA's computing infrastructure and are set to achieve certification to the prestigious Uptime Institute's Tier III standard, which serves as a global benchmark for data centres. Globally, the demand for computing power currently constitutes approximately seven per cent of global electricity consumption. This figure is projected to surge to 13 per cent by 2030, as...
Greenhouse gas, a significant source of concern within the realm of environmental science and mitigating its impact on the planet, is a crucial challenge for the future well-being of Earth and all its inhabitants. As per the International Aluminium Institute's (IAI) recent data, for the first time, the collective greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the worldwide aluminium sector remained static despite an expansion in aluminium production. Reduction in GHG & CO2e emission As per the IAI data, despite a 3.9 per cent increase in global aluminium production from 104.1 million tonnes to 108.2 million tonnes, total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from the sector have remained stable. There was a slight decrease from 1.13 billion tonnes CO2e to 1.11 billion tonnes CO2e in 2022. IAI Secretary...
On February 28, 2024, Constellium SE unveiled its leadership in a fresh R&D venture named "Close the Loop," collaborating with a consortium of recycling enterprises in France. This partnership encompasses INDRA (specialising in automotive recycling), GALLOO (a prominent figure in metal recycling), and MTB RECYCLING (known for its expertise in metal shredding and sorting). Constellium is an industry-leading provider of comprehensive rolled and extruded aluminium solutions catering to the worldwide automotive sector. Through strategic collaboration spanning the value chain, the company actively champions the low-carbon transition and advocates for a circular economy. Funded in part by the French Environmental Agency ADEME under the France 2030 program, the ‘Close the Loop’ project aims to...
Kam Kiu Aluminium Products Group's extrusion facility at Taishan City has achieved ASI Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification. Located in the Shiqiao Industrial Zone of Dajiang Country, Taishan City, the facility specializes in producing aluminium profiles tailored for door and window systems and profiles and grilles for broader construction projects. This certification extends to manufacturing construction and industrial aluminium profiles and grilles. Additionally, the facility has attained recertification to ASI Performance Standard V3. Both certifications, the ASI CoC Standard V2 (2022) and ASI Performance Standard V3, became effective on January 31, 2024. "We congratulate Kam Kiu Aluminium Products Group Limited on achieving Certification against ASI CoC Standard V2...
On February 6, the Jinan Bureau of China Railway took a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency of logistics operations and promoting sustainable development by signing the 2024 railway logistics general contract service agreement with Xinfa Group. Shandong Xinfa Aluminum Co., Ltd. occupies an expansive area of 25,000 square meters, boasting a robust registered capital of RMB 50 million. The company commands total assets worth RMB 380 million and boasts a workforce of 1,400 employees. About the contract This contract signifies a significant stride towards optimizing the logistics supply chain, driving down operational costs, and fortifying Xinfa Group's path towards green, low-carbon, and high-quality development.The agreement, representing the National Railway Group, entails a...
Last week, the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced the joining of Reynaers Aluminium, a European developer of aluminium products for the building sector, as a new Industrial User member. With its innovative range of aluminium products, Reynaers Aluminium offers comprehensive support to architects, fabricators, project developers, investors, and end users. Reynaers is a leading specialist in developing and marketing sustainable aluminium solutions for windows, doors, and facades. Reynaers’ key focus is to create energy-efficient architectural aluminium products to help its customers build a future-proof home. It constantly strives to increase the circularity level of building materials to enhance the lifespan of products it develops and improve environmental impact. On becoming an...
In a significant move, Hydro's bauxite & alumina business area has partnered with the Heavy Industry Low-carbon Transition Cooperative Research Centre (HILT CRC). This collaboration aims to harness cutting-edge research expertise and innovative technologies, particularly focusing on reducing emissions within Hydro's alumina production operations in Brazil. The alliance mirrors Hydro's steadfast pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasising its unwavering dedication to sustainability and pioneering solutions. The HILT CRC is a collaborative initiative uniting industry, research, and governmental organisations. Its core mission is to develop and mitigate risks associated with technological solutions for reducing emissions across critical sectors such as iron and steel, alumina,...
Carlsberg, one of the world’s leading brewery groups, and Ball Corporation, the world’s leading aluminium packaging provider, have jointly outlined a roadmap to attain shared sustainability goals by 2030. Their sustainability goals include higher recycling rates and more recycled aluminium content in cans. In the recent past, Carlsberg and Ball worked together to lightweight the former’s 33cl and 50cl cans by around 5 per cent in more than ten European countries to reduce raw material consumption and cut the carbon footprint of its value chain by approximately 5,000 tonnes every year. Carlsberg and Ball are also trialling a deposit return scheme in Serbia to increase post-consumer aluminium cans recycling. The companies have printed “Metal Recycles Forever” onto the cans to spread...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of GLS Aluminium Industries Pvt Ltd as the new production and transformation member. GLS Aluminium Industries operates as a subsidiary under the GLS Group, a diversified company with interests spanning flexible packaging, polyester films, and aluminium foils. The company focuses on the manufacturing of aluminium foil tailored for a range of applications. This includes flexible packaging for food and non-food items and usage in pharmaceuticals and industrial sectors. About GLS Aluminium Their manufacturing facility is located near India's National Capital Region and boasts strategic connectivity for efficient service. Equipped with a state-of-the-art manufacturing unit, GLS Aluminium Industries Pvt Ltd has deliberately selected...
Rio Tinto, the world's second-largest metals and mining corporation, has recently inked the biggest renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) ever recorded in Australia. The main aim of this PPA is to supply its Gladstone operations in Queensland with electricity sourced from Windlab's upcoming 1.4GW Bungaban wind energy venture. About the new PPA This agreement, following closely on the heels of last month's PPA announcement for the Upper Calliope solar farm in Queensland, signifies Rio Tinto's position as Australia's foremost industrial purchaser of renewable energy. It marks another significant stride in the company's efforts to repower its Gladstone production assets towards renewable sources, including the Boyne aluminium smelter, Yarwun alumina refinery, and Queensland Alumina...
