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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Press Metal has successfully obtained ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its subsidiary, Press Metal Sarawak Sdn Bhd, in Sarawak, Malaysia. This achievement comes after the prior certification of another subsidiary, Press Metal Bintulu Sdn Bhd, marking it as the inaugural smelting facility in Southeast Asia to receive ASI Performance Standard Certification in October 2022. Choa Wei Keong, Chief Operating Officer of the Smelting Division, said, “This certification marks another significant achievement for the Press Metal Group, underscoring our ongoing commitment to sustainable aluminium production and unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of sustainable and responsible practices in the industry. Our focus on transparency and responsible conduct...
The province of Prince Edward Island is about to witness one of the most formidable sustainable initiatives in the coming days as Nespresso Canada extends its Green Bag recycling campaign to divert aluminium coffee pods from regional landfills. The programme will provide the Edward Island residents with a perfect aluminium coffee capsule recycling initiative, wherein the circulated Nespresso green bags will come in handy for the collection of used aluminium coffee pods. As of now, the Nespresso Green Bag recycling drive is active across 1,000 communities in Canada. Specifications for the Nespresso Green Bag Recycling Programme The green bag, when stuffed, can be kept in the resident's household recycling system, from where it would be ferried to a sorting unit for separation of coffee...
To rejuvenate interest in the Bell Bay hydrogen hub, Australia's Federal Labor Government has allocated a substantial A$70 million, with the combined efforts of state government funding and private-sector contributions, amassing a total investment of A$300 million at the site. Set to commence construction this year and slated for completion by 2028, this ambitious initiative is poised to play a pivotal role in the Australian heavy metal and mining industry, with a profound impact on the aluminium sector. Why is this investment important for Australian energy-intensive industries? The Bell Bay hydrogen hub is envisaged not only as a hydrogen producer but also as a catalyst for the manufacture of green metals and alloys, including aluminium. Projections indicate a potential annual...
To echo the resonance of progress within the aluminium industry, 1PointFive, a trailblazer in carbon capture technology, and Trafigura, a leader in the global commodities realm, have forged a strategic alliance. Trafigura, as a Founding Member of the First Movers Coalition, undertakes its inaugural transaction, securing carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits from 1PointFive's pioneering Direct Air Capture (DAC) facility, STRATOS, currently unfurling its industrial prowess in Texas. This symbiotic venture aligns seamlessly with Trafigura's ambitious commitment to procure a minimum of 50,000 tonnes of robust and scalable net carbon dioxide removal credits by 2030. At its core, this collaboration signifies a profound endorsement of early-stage technologies, emphasizing the paramount role of...
Hydro has joined the newly introduced "green" supplier database of the First Movers Coalition (FMC), playing a role in empowering the world's most ambitious companies to pursue climate action. Recognized for its ground-breaking low-carbon aluminium, Hydro stands out among the esteemed suppliers, boasting a carbon footprint significantly lower than one-fourth of the global industry average. "To accelerate the green transition, the way we produce materials must change. It matters where and how materials are produced, and that is why initiatives like the First Suppliers Hub are crucial to simplify the access to low-carbon technologies and materials needed to enable true decarbonisation of society," said Hydro President and CEO Hilde Merete Aasheim. Present at the Davos gathering, Hydro is...
Suntory Spirits, a harmonious note within the beverage giant Suntory Group, has orchestrated a delightful melody with its latest innovation. The spotlight shines on their limited-edition creation, The Premium Malt cans, gracing the shelves of Japanese stores this month. What makes this composition noteworthy is the utilisation of green aluminium—a beacon of sustainability in the realm of aluminium beverage cans. Crafted through a collaboration that reads like a cast of industry virtuosos—Sumitomo Corporation, Sumisho Metalex Corporation, Kobe Steel, and Daiwa Can Company—the green aluminium material emerges through the transformative alchemy of the "mass balance method." This process isn't just a note; it's a crescendo, reducing carbon emissions by a resounding 25% when compared to...
In pursuit of a more sustainable operational approach, Hydro Alunorte, has recently added ten electric vehicles to its fleet, marking a significant step in its decarbonisation strategy. Setting its sights on an ambitious target, Hydro Alunorte aspires to emerge as a beacon of eco-friendliness, striving to attain the coveted title of one of the world's facilities boasting the lowest emissions rate by 2025. "This exchange corresponds to a reduction of 119,658 tons of CO₂ per year, which represents 1,660 trees planted in five years, helping to reduce Alunorte's carbon footprint", stated Klebio Coelho, Planning and Contract Management manager at the refinery. This new fleet of electric cars will supplant the existing ten fossil fuel-powered vehicles at the refinery, solidifying Hydro...
One of the leading suppliers of architectural building products, Modinex, has decided to switch to Capral's LocAl Green, a lower-carbon aluminium solution. In a strategic alliance with Capral, Australia's foremost aluminium supplier, Modinex is actively committed to mitigating the carbon footprint associated with its product range. By proactively selecting the LocAl Green lower-carbon aluminium option, the company aims to exemplify a conscientious approach to environmental impact, setting a precedent for sustainability within its industry. Opting for Capral's LocAl Green lower-carbon aluminium empowers Modinex with access to primary aluminium manufactured using alternative energy sources. This choice significantly reduces the embodied carbon, showcasing a noteworthy deviation from the...
In Mexico City, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship embarks on a dual race - one on the track, featuring fully electric competition, and the other off the track, symbolising Mexico's pursuit of the energy transition. Mexico’s transition to sustainable energy Mexico's dedication to advancing its shift towards sustainable energy is unmistakably evident in the high-stakes event set to unfold at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on January 13. This marks the commencement of the tenth fully electric season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, a showcase of zero-carbon motorsport. Mexico stands at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise transportation as a global leader in vehicle production and a focal point for the burgeoning electric vehicle and battery plant...
The Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena announced a significant milestone in their sustainability journey, extending heartfelt gratitude to fans, concertgoers, and partners for their active participation. They managed to divert around 3 million pounds of waste from landfills, out of which around one million pounds were composed of materials like aluminium, cardboard, plastics, glass, and more. Nearly one million pounds of food and organic material were collected, underlining a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Within this remarkable accomplishment, the downtown Atlanta venue, recognized with the prestigious TRUE Platinum certification in April 2022, stands out as a trailblazer in the sports and live entertainment industry. TRUE Platinum certification is awarded to entities achieving...
Volvo Cars is on a mission to reshape its sustainability strategy, unveiling ambitious targets for 2030 and 2040. The company is making strides in electrification and accentuating its commitment to biodiversity. Volvo showcases how they are steering towards a greener and more sustainable future in the recently published press release. 2030 Milestone: Fully electric and circular business vision By 2030, Volvo Cars aspires to be a fully electric car company, concurrently striving for a 75 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions per car compared to its 2018 baseline. The company envisions achieving this by combining the sale of fully electric cars with a 30 per cent reduction in emissions from its supply chain and operations. Volvo Cars plans to attain 100 per cent green debt or...
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has officially declared that Chongqing Millison Technologies Inc. is now certified by the ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022). The China-based company has successfully certified its facility in the Banan District, Chongqing. SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services conducted the independent third-party audit of Chongqing Millison Technologies Inc.'s facility. "We congratulate Chongqing Millison Technologies Inc. on achieving Performance Standard Certification V3 (2022). The company's ASI Certification provides them with a benchmark against industry-leading ESG criteria, and is an important step in the journey towards the implementation of more responsible production approaches," said Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of the Aluminium Stewardship...
At CES 2024 in Las Vegas, Samsung took centre stage to emphasise its unwavering commitment to sustainability, echoing the familiar mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle." In a dedicated segment of its keynote address, Samsung showcased a holistic approach to resource circularity, spanning the design, usage, and eventual recycling of its devices. Notably, the tech giant incorporated recycled materials into flagship products, such as utilising recycled fishing nets in the Galaxy series, recycled plastic in TVs, and recycled aluminium in bespoke refrigerators. Inhee Chung, Samsung's VP of corporate sustainability, highlighted the company's initiative, stating, "We start by incorporating recycled materials into some of our most loved products." She revealed that recycled plastic constituted 14%...
Vedanta Aluminium, a prominent player in the global aluminium industry and India's leading metal producer, has recently joined the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), solidifying its position among the world's largest aluminium producers. As the sole representative of the global primary aluminium sector, the IAI plays a crucial role in shaping industry standards and practices. “We are thrilled to be joining the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) towards strengthening our unwavering commitment to advancing sustainability within the aluminium industry. In this pursuit, we are also focused on leveraging the latest innovations and technology to enhance our operations. As a member, we will collaborate with IAI and other industry leaders to promote and contribute to a more sustainable...
Closed Loop Partners, headquartered in New York, invested in Found Energy, a Boston-based startup that turns aluminium trash into hydrogen fuel. Found Energy uses a novel method in which scrap aluminium is treated with a catalyst and activated with water, yielding several valued outputs. Shandong Nanshan Aluminium, established in China, is principally concerned with manufacturing and marketing different aluminium products. The company has invested in forming Longkou Nanshan Renewable Resources Co., Ltd. The International Council on Mining and Metals, or ICMM, has produced detailed recommendations to assist mining and metals firms in setting significant short-, medium-, and long-term objectives for reducing Scope 3 emissions. Since 2019, Ball Corporation, a worldwide leader in aluminium...
Volvo Cars has recently appointed Vanessa Butani as the Head of Global Sustainability, set to assume the position in April 2024. She will succeed Anders Kärrberg, who has been in this role since the establishment of Volvo's Global Sustainability Team in 2019. Butani, based at the company's global headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, will be fundamental in leading Volvo Cars' sustainability ambitions and shaping its sustainability strategy. This strategic move by Volvo Cars reflects the automotive industry's increasing emphasis on sustainability, with a specific nod to the importance of aluminium in achieving cleaner and more environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Volvo's sustainability commitment Volvo Cars is actively pursuing a comprehensive sustainability agenda, aiming to...
First Solar has announced a positive development in its efforts to promote clean energy in India. The company has teamed up with Cleantech Solar to supply its new thin-film solar module factory in Tamil Nadu with renewable energy. The two firms have entered into a 15-year power purchase agreement, under which Cleantech Solar will build 150MW of solar and 17MW of wind capacity in the state. How will this partnership work? Once operational, these generation assets are expected to produce approximately 7.3 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity, which will be supplied to First Solar's 3.3GW factory. This move is expected to fulfil up to 70% of the facility's electricity requirements. Moreover, Cleantech Solar has committed to purchasing 150MW of India-made Series 7 thin-film solar panels from...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Australia-based BAB Aluminium as the new Industrial User Member. Founded by Brian Blowes, BAB Aluminium stands tall as a quintessential Australian success narrative, boasting an unwavering commitment to its national heritage. The company has flourished over the past four decades, evolving into a prominent manufacturer and supplier of premium aluminium seating and setting solutions. Operating with pride in Australia, BAB serves diverse industries, from educational institutions to expansive sporting arenas. Renowned for its dedication to quality, BAB Aluminium has established itself as a symbol of excellence and earned acclaim for its client-centric approach. By engaging in collaborative consultations, the company consistently...
