Japanese aluminium manufacturer UACJ Co Ltd has signed a 20-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) with Hokuriku Electric Power Biz Energy Solution Co Ltd to supply renewable electricity to its Fukui Works. The 7.43 MW solar project in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, is expected to deliver 8.5 GWh of electricity annually while reducing UACJ’s carbon dioxide emissions by 27,694 tonnes per year. Private-line solar supply to begin in November Under the agreement announced on October 26, 2026, Hokuriku Electric Power Biz Energy Solution will supply UACJ’s Fukui Works through a dedicated 4.2 km private power line. The offsite solar plant has a capacity of 5 MWAC/7.43 MWDC, with electricity deliveries scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026. Built on a 75,197-square-metre site, equivalent to...
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...
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In order to retain and create manufacturing jobs, reduce industrial emissions, and grow a vitally important industry, the Department of Energy must invest in American-made clean aluminium amidst plummeting primary aluminium production in the U.S. This is the message conveyed by a letter sent by leading companies such as Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Pepsi Co., Ball Corp., Rivian, SunPower and eight others to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jennifer Granholm. The letter suggests that by using investments from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to expand and secure an affordable supply of clean energy, the Biden administration can modernise and grow this industry instead of allowing American-made primary aluminium to disappear. The Global Director of Sustainability, Homologation...
Hydro Energi AS, a core part of Norsk Hydro, has reportedly inked a long-term power purchase contract with Fortum, a Nordic energy company. As per the agreement, the latter will supply 0.44 TWh per year of energy to Hydro’s Norwegian aluminium plants, with effect from 2024. It is a 13-year contract and hence will remain valid till 2036. Over this period, Fortum will supply 5.7 TWh of power to Hydro’s plants in price area NO3. Fortum is known for producing the cleanest energy in Europe, with action plans guided by ambitious environmental targets. Long-term renewable energy agreements are crucial for Hydro to continue producing low-carbon aluminium. Renewable power is key to produce aluminium in Norway with 75 per cent less carbon footprint than the global average. It will also help Hydro...
Fondital SpA has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification at its three facilities in Vobarno, Italy, for the production of high-grade aluminium special alloys from recycled content and the manufacture of automotive parts via melting, high-pressure die-casting, heat treatment, and machining. In 2020, the company joined forces with Raffmetal SpA, which was certified against the ASI Performance Standard (V2). Bureau Veritas Certification conducted an independent, third-party audit of the Fondital SpA facilities. The audit occurred before May 31, 2023, allowing for Performance Standard V2 certification. "We congratulate Fondital SpA for achieving ASI Performance Standard (V2) Certification for their production of automotive castings. The growing application...
The chief executive officer of the Norwegian aluminium giant conveyed to one of the most recognised international news agencies that Hydro anticipates a rapid increase in demand for its low-carbon aluminium in the coming years. Furthermore, Hilde Merete Aasheim, the CEO, noted that US customers are growing interested in recycled materials. Aluminium is pivotal in transitioning to cleaner energy, particularly in electric vehicles. Its lightweight construction utilisation enhances the driving range of EVs while compensating for the weight of other components, such as batteries. The process in the production of primary aluminium requires substantial electricity consumption, which is highly carbon-intensive. As a result, environmentally conscious consumers seek to maximize their use of...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has reportedly certified Hindalco Industries Limited’s Kuppam Works plant in Andhra Pradesh, India, against Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V1 (2017) certification. The plant has achieved ASI’s CoC certification for the second time. In August 2023, the facility bagged ASI Performance Standard certification. Hindalco’s Kuppam Works plant manufactures value-added aluminium extrusion profiles. It has a capacity of 15,000 tonnes of aluminium alloy extruded products per annum. Kuppam Works facility got the certification after undergoing a stringent, independent, third-party audit by CETIZION Verifica. The audit occurred before May 31, 2023; thus, the plant received Chain of Custody Standard V1 certification. The ASI CoC Standard V1 certification sets out...
Third City has been selected as Nespresso UK and Ireland's first sustainability communications agency following a competitive pitch. The strategic objective for the B Corp agency is to strengthen Nestlé's global coffee brand's sustainability commitment to its consumers. The agency will focus on promoting the recyclability of Nespresso's aluminium-based capsules and highlighting its local and coffee farming community initiatives. This is reinforced by Nespresso's own B Corp certification in 2022. Third City will oversee the planning of activities that span across various functions, such as earned media, digital, CRM, e-commerce, and Nespresso boutiques, to engage with both existing and wider audiences. The UK consumer account of the brand remains under the stewardship of Alfred, who was...
According to a recent study by Crown Holdings, implementing enhanced beverage can recycling practices in six nations can significantly mitigate global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 60 million metric tonnes by 2030. The possibility of a lower carbon footprint for the beverage can complement the format's sustainability qualities of unlimited recyclability, high recycled content, and quick recycling turnaround time. The report, which was conducted by Roland Berger, a third-party global management consultancy, in collaboration with the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), presents a comprehensive analysis of 20 strategies, both short-term and long-term, aimed at enhancing recycling systems and augmenting the rates of beverage can recycling in various countries. Notably, the...
Princess Cruises, a subsidiary of Florida-based Carnival Corporation, is vehemently advocating the cause for sustainable development. The company's motto has inspired it to introduce various green initiatives along its flagship watercraft. Proper recycling practices help create a circular economy around the end-of-life items onboard. Carnival Corporation's 2022 Sustainability Report reveals that it has significantly decreased its greenhouse gas emissions since 2011, making it the only major cruise company to achieve this feat. Despite an expected 30% increase in capacity by 2023, Carnival has surpassed its 2030 carbon intensity reduction goal by targeting a 20% reduction in carbon intensity by 2026 compared to 2019. This represents a 40% reduction in carbon intensity compared to 2008....
Nvolve, a renowned global provider of workforce training and operational excellence solutions, has announced its membership with the Aluminium Federation (ALFED). This strategic collaboration underscores Nvolve's unwavering dedication to advancing sustainable manufacturing practices and achieving operational efficiency. Nvolve's membership with ALFED demonstrates its commitment to advancing an environmentally sustainable and operationally efficient manufacturing ecosystem. ALFED, a prominent trade association, unites businesses within the aluminium industry, nurturing progress and sustainability and adopting optimal industry practices. Barry Harper, the CEO at Nvolve, said, "We are thrilled to join ALFED, an organisation that shares our values and vision for the future of manufacturing....
Strategic Marine Group is a reputable shipbuilder specializing in the construction and fabrication of speciality aluminium craft. The company has collaborated with Caterpillar Marine to achieve its emission reduction goals. With a shipyard in Singapore and a presence in various countries, including Australia, Germany, Indonesia, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom, the company is committed to providing sustainable solutions to the industry by focusing on lower-emission propulsion across its product range. This includes crew transfer vessels (CTVs) for the offshore wind industry, fast crew boats (FCBs) for the offshore oil and gas industry, and other classes of vessels. The CEO of Strategic Marine, Eng Yew Chan, exclaimed: "We are excited to work with Caterpillar Marine to help lower...
Adani Group, already one of the world's largest solar power producers, announced the expansion of its solar manufacturing business to meet the growing demand for solar panels in India and worldwide. Aluminium is preferred for making solar panels due to its lightweight properties and tensile strength. For the successful implementation of this project, a massive amount of aluminium panels or extrusions would be demanded by the Indian-origin conglomerate. According to sources, the conglomerate aims to build 10 GW of solar manufacturing capacity by 2027, with the new manufacturing capacity to be set up at Adani's Mundra Special Economic Zone in Gujarat. Currently, Adani's solar manufacturing capacity is at 4 GW. Adani Solar has secured a robust order book of over 3,000 MW in exports,...
Skyportz, Contreras Earl Architecture, and Pascall+Watson Architects are set to release a concept for an innovative e-mobility hub on the Australian waterfront. The proposal involves the transformation of an existing heliport situated along the Yarra River in Melbourne into a state-of-the-art vertiport, purpose-built to facilitate the integration of clean, quiet electric air taxis. CEO Clem Newton-Brown, Skyportz, emphasises the safety and practicality of waterfront locations for electric air taxi operations, citing the advantage of clear approach and departure paths as per aviation requirements. In addition to serving as a hub for electric air taxis, this project envisions a multimodal transport centre for electric scooters, bicycles, ferries, and rental boats. A waterfront cafe will...
China's Henan Zhongfu High Precision Aluminium Company has achieved a significant milestone by securing certification from SCS Global (US Global Scientific Certification System) and receiving the prestigious "Kingfisher - Recycled Ingredient Declaration" certificate (able to feature the Kingfisher eco-label) Since its establishment in 1984, SCS has consistently been at the forefront of sustainability standards and third-party certification, playing a pivotal role across various sectors of the economy, including natural resources, the built environment, food and agriculture, consumer products, and the climate sector. Founded in 1990, the SCS Recycled Content Certification Program has empowered manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining natural resources, advancing...
As the world moves towards a greener future, sustainable drives are increasing by the passing hour. The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) has recently implemented a financing model to support a robot at one of its material recovery facilities (MRF) located in California, owned by Caglia Environmental. The robot, designed by EverestLabs, utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and robotics to sort single-stream recyclables and is expected to capture over 1 million used beverage cans (UBCs) annually. Taha International Company for Industrial Services has partnered with Ta'ziz Trading and Consulting Company to market Taha's processed aluminium by-products in Gulf and international markets. The collaboration aims to promote environmentally sustainable practices and technology to reduce...
On September 28, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) accredited Aludium's cold rolling mill at its Aludium France SAS subsidiary in Castelsarrasin with the Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V1 (2017) Certification. All three Aludium manufacturing sites have now been certified to the ASI Chain of Custody Standard. In April 2023, Aludium France SAS received Performance Standard Certification. The factory produces bright aluminium products specifically designed to meet the needs of various industries like construction, automotive, transportation, packaging, and general engineering. DNV Business Assurance Services UK Ltd conducted an impartial, third-party audit of the Aludium France SAS facility. The audit occurred before May 31, 2023, allowing for Performance Standard V2 certification....
Alspec is pleased to announce a significant step in decreasing carbon intensity in aluminium production through its newly branded GreenCore® Aluminium, in line with worldwide trends towards sustainability and responsible resource management. This effort demonstrates Alspec's commitment to reduce carbon intensity to less than 12kg CO2 per kg of aluminium, exceeding the global average for primary aluminium production. Alspec created this low-carbon aluminium product by utilising secondary aluminium scrap and renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar, or gas-generated electricity. At the same time, the structural integrity of Alspec's aluminium systems is unaffected. The GreenCore® Aluminium by Alspec programme represents a significant step forward in Alspec's drive towards...
The Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) has implemented a financing model to support a robot at a California material recovery facility (MRF) owned by Caglia Environmental (Caglia). The robot, designed by EverestLabs, utilizes artificial intelligence and robotics to sort single-stream recyclables and is expected to capture over 1 million used beverage cans (UBCs) annually. Aluminium cans are created with the purest form of the non-ferrous metal, which ascertains 100% recyclability. To fully finance the two-year equipment lease for Caglia, CMI utilized funds from its members, Ardagh Metal Packaging and Crown Holdings (Crown). Caglia will share 50 per cent of all revenue generated from the captured UBCs with CMI. This lease program represents CMI's ongoing effort to showcase the potential...
Beco, the world's fastest-growing vaping brand, has recently unveiled its latest products, the Osens L and Osens XL. The Osens L and Osens XL are built with lightweight aluminium shells and contribute to a more sustainable future through easier recyclability than plastic. The new devices provide an immersive experience with great vaping performance, attractive design, and superior build. In addition, both devices incorporate RevMesh coil technology to improve wicking and flavour, along with a distinctive V-shaped airflow configuration that guarantees uniform vapour dispersion during inhalation. Using an aluminium shell in the device's design facilitates the recycling process, enhances its endurance, and imparts a sense of high quality. The Osens L has a slender and condensed design and...
