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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Sustainaholics has designed The Alumini Collection, approved by British Airways for safe mid-air alcohol consumption. The company's shatterproof 5cl miniature bottles made with 100% post-consumer-recycled aluminium were unveiled in June and had the primary target of getting listed as airline condiments. The founder, David Mills, seems persistent in using 100% recyclable aluminium to pack this London-based spirit. He insists on supplying the cruise liners and the duty-free stores by 2023 end or the beginning of 2024. Thus, it is important to create a closed material loop around its flagship production line, which aluminium can help form. The Founder of Sustainaholics, David Mills, opened up in an interview: "This is an industry-first innovation for both the spirits industry and the travel...
Samsung envisions a society where technology coexists with humanity to protect the earth for future generations. As a result, Samsung is urging South African customers to join its "Everyday Sustainability" campaign by doing little acts for a better world in their everyday lives. However, Samsung has promoted sustainability with their latest Samsung Galaxy S23 Series , where the company incorporated additional pre-consumer recycled aluminium, glass and polymers. Adding to it, the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5 also featured Armor aluminium frames promoting sustainability to the core. Under the "Everyday Sustainability" campaign, Samsung encourages customers to make incremental but significant improvements in their daily lives to create a brighter future for everybody. Samsung...
First Solar Inc, a US-based Cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic (PV) profiles manufacturer, has set a new industry standard for transparency by publicly disclosing details of third-party social audits conducted across its global manufacturing sites. This is believed to be the first time such audits have been conducted in the solar manufacturing industry. The solar industry is a huge aggregator for aluminium use and also propels the application of other critical minerals. But upon spending its lifetime, a solar panel is usually thrown away, generating a lot of non-retractable waste. It is becoming incessantly important to keep track of these end-of-life solar panels, which have a high potential for recycling. It is quite engaging to see First Solar building the first-ever steps...
On Monday, August 14, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced the joining of IKD Co., Ltd. as a new Production and Transformation member. IKD’s unwavering commitment towards sustainability and contribution to developing green aluminium has brought the company to ASI’s membership. IKD Co., Ltd. is engaged in 360-degree aluminium alloy precision die-casting operations. Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Ningbo, China, the company researches, develops, produces, and sells die-casting parts for automobiles. The production process includes designing and developing die-casting tooling, trimming, heat treatment, precision machining, surface treatment, and assembly. The company’s main products are automotive wiper system, transmission system, steering system, engine system, air condition...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced the joining of Guangdong Golden Aluminium Co., Ltd as the new Production and Transformation member. Guangdong Golden Aluminium Co., Ltd. began operations in 1999. It is a comprehensive enterprise that combines R&D, production, sales, and services in the deep processing industries of aluminium alloy ingot, moulds, extrusion, surface coating, high-quality construction aluminium profiles, industrial aluminium profiles, doors and windows, and all aluminium furniture. It is also one of China's top 20 construction aluminium profiles firms, with a strong brand, technology, goods, channels, and talent pool. Its interests are distributed across Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. As a green champion and practitioner, Golden has urged the...
Sustainability awards inspire innovation and drive positive change across various sectors. These prestigious accolades recognise organisations and individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable practices, encouraging others to follow suit. They are essential for companies that want to showcase their dedication to a greener future. Awards like the Effective Sustainability Communicator Award and others enable companies to establish their credibility via an external, independent validation process and recognition in a variety of areas of sustainability. And when talking about sustainability, aluminium is one such metal that tops the list. Top companies, including those in the aluminium sector, are working diligently to create a roadmap towards a greener future. It's...
Real Betis Balompié, a Spanish professional football club, has joined hands with an open environmental platform, Forever Green, to introduce sustainable practices in sports fields associated with the game. Among the activities promoted are recycling and collection of aluminium cans, installing trash bins at each corner and replacing plastic with 100% recyclable aluminium bottles. Real Betis Balompié has successfully hoisted its Forever Green flags, which aim to raise awareness among fans about the effects of climate change. This year, for the first time, the festivities have been extended to the rest of the sporting sections of the club. The initiative included 34 activities around match day actions, specifically designed to spread the message of the fight against climate change and...
AMAG Austria Metall AG, the biggest company in the Austrian aluminium industry sector, recently achieved the best ESG rating from Sustainalytics yet again. Of 39 aluminium companies being evaluated worldwide, AMAG won the best rating, which testified the company had the lowest environmental risks. AMAG's ESG program was rated comprehensive and effective by Sustainalytics, which brought the company to the 2nd position out of 223 companies from the global metals industry. AMAG achieved this rating after a multi-stage evaluation, whereby factors like environmental performance, resource conservation, compliance with human rights, and supply chain management were closely monitored. AMAG was also evaluated based on to which extent it is exposed to various ESG risks and how well the company...
International Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) has reportedly verified Vedanta Aluminium’s range of products, confirming that India’s largest aluminium producer is committed to achieving the highest industrial standards in sustainable production. Vedanta’s primary aluminium products scored well in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on parameters like energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. This achievement testifies the company’s advanced manufacturing practices ensuring sustainability across the value chain. The primary products verified by EPD included billets, primary foundry alloy (PFA), wire rods, and all categories of aluminium ingots. All these products have high-end applications in vital industrial sectors like aerospace, infrastructure,...
The Alu Menziken Group, a Swiss extrusion press manufacturer with a long-standing noticeable history from 1897, has been warmly welcomed as the latest Production and Transformation member of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). Specifically known for its advanced and efficient production process for semi-fabricated aluminium, Alu Menziken also offers premium quality CNC machines and high-end saws alongside high-performance welding and joining technologies for aluminium assemblies and components. According to Andreas Behrendt, Head of Quality Alu Menziken Romania ESG Responsible Alu Menziken Group, the firm's responsible aluminium production is a top priority to the entire management. With two plants in Switzerland, one on the border between Germany and Austria, and another in...
Sustainability initiatives are no longer an occasional phenomenon in the aluminium industry, as ESG goals have become a prime focus for all companies, big or small. This week the top news that caught our eyes were Capral’s first ASI’s Chain of Custody-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), CRU’s newly launched protocols for sustainability and emissions service, and Ardagh Packaging won ASI Performance Standard Certification for material stewardship. Capral Aluminium marked a significant milestone in sustainable sourcing this month with the receipt of the first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Chain of Custody (CoC)-certified cargo from Aluminium Bahrain (Alba). The accreditation ensures that the aluminium in its products is ethically sourced and processed by the highest...
In a concerted effort to promote eco-friendliness and sustainability, the Austin Convention Center has partnered with Boomerang to introduce its state-of-the-art, eco-friendly bottling system to the center. Situated at the very core of the lively and bustling city of Austin, Texas, the Austin Convention Center (ACC) is a coveted venue for a diverse range of events, conferences, and gatherings. With this innovative system, ACC is effectively reducing the amount of plastic waste generated at the hub and contributing to a greener future for Austin. Hailing from the awe-inspiring natural beauty of the Laurel Highlands in Pennsylvania, Nemacolin Resort is an exquisite destination that is renowned for its luxury and unparalleled hospitality. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability,...
The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) has certified Yinbang Clad Material Co., Ltd for its production plant in Wuxi, China, with the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017). The factory produces over 270,000 tonnes of aluminium alloy composite materials annually. In 2022 the company had joined ASI as the new as its new production and transformation member. "We are pleased to pass the ASI Performance Standard certification, which is a recognition and affirmation of our company's commitment to independent innovation and sustainable development. We will continue to work closely with customers and suppliers to continuously promote and optimize the sustainable development of the aluminium industry chain. Our company will focus on green, low-carbon and digital management in the future, creating...
GZ Industries Limited has received ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification for its facilities in Aba and Agbara, Nigeria, and Wadeville, South Africa, for manufacturing aluminium beverage cans for the food and beverage market. The company's three factories have a combined yearly manufacturing capacity of more than 3 billion cans and can produce a variety of sizes and forms. The Aba and Agbara facilities are Nigeria's first ASI Certifications. CETIZION Verifica conducted an impartial, third-party GZ Industries Limited business audit. The audit occurred before May 31, 2023, allowing for Performance Standard V2 certification. James Judson, Group CEO at GZ Industries Ltd, said, "GZ Industries Ltd seeks to become Sub-Saharan Africa's leading supplier of aluminium beverage cans. A...
A new strategic alliance has been established between GenHydro and EREN Groupe to enhance the supply and affordability of green hydrogen in France and Germany. GenHydro, a US-based company specializing in technology, renewable energy production, and green hydrogen, will collaborate with EREN Groupe, a private company focused on technological innovation to fight global warming and conserve natural resources. The two organizations aim to introduce innovative green hydrogen production systems and renewable energy technology in France and Germany, among other locations. To achieve this objective, GenHydro's cutting-edge technology that transforms waste aluminium into valuable renewable products will be combined with EREN Groupe's project management and implementation capabilities. The...
TricorBraun, a leading global packaging company, has released its first-ever Sustainability Report. The report outlines the company's progress in achieving its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. TricorBraun's President and CEO, Court Carruthers, expressed satisfaction in presenting the report, saying that the company is committed to sustainable and ethical practices. He added that TricorBraun's team strives to do things right, extending to environmental, social, and governance impacts. The president and CEO of TricorBraun, Court Carruthers, explained: "We are pleased to present our first-ever Sustainability Report, which brings to life our commitments to sustainable and ethical practices. Our team is guided by the principle that we do things the right way always, and this...
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) announced that Alcomet's Shumen production facility in Bulgaria has been accredited with the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification. The firm manufactures aluminium rolled and extruded products for use in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, building and construction, and automotive sectors. Its facilities have a total annual output capacity of 100,000 tonnes. The factory includes the complete downstream production cycle, including billet and coil casting, extrusion, and cold rolling, and is Bulgaria's first ASI-certified facility. TÜV Rheinland Cert GmbH conducted an impartial, third-party audit of the Alcomet AD business. The audit occurred before May 31, 2023, allowing for Performance Standard V2 certification. Huseyin Ince, Executive...
A recycling Facility at the Port of Los Angeles has unlocked a sustainable milestone by shipping 5 million tonnes of scrap metals like aluminium using an all-electric, zero-emissions crane since its installation in 2017 at the port. According to the corporation, the organisation's ultimate objective is to achieve zero waste through recycling a broad range of items, including aluminium cans, vehicles, appliances, plumbing fixtures, electrical wiring, and other household recyclables. "The Port of Los Angeles is steadfast in its commitment to achieving zero emissions. As California leads the charge, the rest of the country and the world look to us for guidance in adopting cleaner and greener practices. The realisation of a zero-emissions port is a goal of utmost importance to all of us here...
