The aluminium industry is energy-intensive, which results in a considerable amount of carbon emissions along the production value chain. Sustainable practices can help reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts that address climate change. The fundamental programme in the aluminium industry is bauxite mining, as it is the raw ore required in the production of alumina from which aluminium is extracted. Bauxite mining can cause habitat destruction and biodiversity loss, but sustainable practices aim to mitigate these environmental impacts.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy-related CO2 emissions reached a new high of over 36.8 billion tonnes in 2022, with a growth rate of 0.9 per cent or 321 million tonnes. This growth rate was significantly slower than the global economic growth of 3.2 per cent, indicating a return to a decade-long trend that was disrupted in 2021 due to the rapid and emissions-intensive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This data highlights the need for continued efforts to reduce global carbon emissions and combat climate change while ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Recycling aluminium requires only 5 per cent of the energy compared to the traditional method of primary aluminium production, and it helps conserve natural resources. Sustainable practices in the aluminium industry extend to the manufacturing and fabrication processes as well. Efficient production techniques and waste reduction measures not only minimise environmental harm but also lead to cost savings for businesses. Aluminium's 100 per cent recyclability is also a major factor driving the recycling industry. The non-ferrous metal can retain its original form after vigorous rounds of transformation, creating a material loop along its production line.  

One of the most sustainable practices in the aluminium industry is the strict adherence to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI). It is a significant and influential organisation committed to promoting responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium. It is a collaborative and multi-stakeholder effort that sets standards and certifications for the entire aluminium value chain, from mining and refining to downstream processing and end-use products. ASI's primary objective is to ensure that aluminium is produced and used in a sustainable and socially responsible manner, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry.

The initiative is essential in the aluminium industry for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the environmental impact of aluminium production, which can be significant due to the energy-intensive nature of the process. ASI's standards encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and more efficient practices, reducing the industry's carbon footprint. This focus on sustainability aligns with the growing global demand for eco-friendly practices and responsible resource management.

Secondly, ASI places a strong emphasis on social and community aspects, promoting fair labour practices, human rights, and the well-being of workers and local communities associated with aluminium production. This ensures that the industry benefits not only corporations but also the people and regions directly affected by its operations. ASI's certification system provides a credible and recognised way for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices, enhancing their reputation in an increasingly conscientious market.

The advent of the Paris Environment Act of 2015 has continuously urged highly energy-intensive industries to change their flagship production methods into something more eco-conscious and sustainable. The need for greener methods has given rise to smart innovations like carbon capture technologies and the marking of end products with a potential CO2 emission index. Many of the big players in the industry have already shifted to renewable energy, while others are busy charting out cheaper and simpler methods of saving the world from emissions.

With the same context in mind, in the list below, you'll find a few of the major innovations that occurred in the sustainability paradigm: 

Capral Aluminium, Australia's first extruder to have bagged ASI dual certification

Capral Aluminium Industrial Solutions received dual ASI certification to manufacture extruded products. The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative announced the certification of Capral against the Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022), making it the first extruded aluminium product manufacturer in Australia to receive the certifications. The certifications apply to all of Capral's 26 facilities spread across every state and territory in Australia.

Hydro's first ASI certification in Mexico: Reynosa plant enters Performance Standard

We are pleased to announce that Hydro's Reynosa plant successfully met the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard and has been officially registered. This marks a significant milestone for Hydro, as it is their first ASI certification in Mexico. The Reynosa plant, located on the southern edge of the Rio Grande River, employs over 320 individuals. Over the years, they have continuously invested in expansion projects, making it the most capable supplier of aluminium heat exchange solutions in the area. With a primary focus on the automotive and HVACR sectors, Hydro is committed to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers.

Crown Holdings gradually nearing its sustainability goals with Twentyby30™ ESG programme

Crown Holdings has launched a sustainability program named Twentyby30™ to make the aluminium industry more sustainable. The initiative includes 20 measurable sustainability goals to be achieved by or before 2030. As part of the program, Crown Holdings has achieved a 12% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions and 34% use of renewable energy of the total electricity used in 2022.

AMAG Austria receives "Platinum" rating from EcoVadis for highest sustainability standards

AMAG received a "Platinum" rating from EcoVadis in 2023, putting them in the top 1% of companies assessed in the "Precious Metals and Nonferrous Metals" category for sustainability performance. They achieved this rating consistently for three years in a row. AMAG has over 40 years of experience in recycling and has become a world leader in aluminium recycling, with an average scrap input rate of 70-80%. They prioritise sustainability, innovation, diversity, and the human touch as part of their strategy, using innovative closed-loop concepts to ensure the best use of resources and to close material cycles.

Alliance between Novelis and Southern Company aims to decarbonise aluminium production in North America

Novelis has partnered with Southern Company to achieve decarbonisation of aluminium production across North America. The partnership will start with Novelis' new Bay Minette aluminium recycling and rolling plant through a mutual settlement. Novelis will support Southern Company's subsidiary Alabama Power in developing two new solar power generation plants in Alabama, which will provide renewable energy to Novelis' new Bay Minette plant. Alabama Power will cover over half of the Bay Minette facility's renewable energy needs while reducing Scope2 greenhouse gas emissions. The partnership will also work on advancing new technologies to reduce the aluminium producer's carbon emissions, including hydrogen fuels, carbon capture, energy storage and electrification of thermal processes.

It is official: RUSAL approves the Sustainability Strategy for 2035

The Board of Rusal, a Russian aluminium company, has approved its 2035 Sustainable Development Strategy. The strategy aims to make sustainability accessible to all stakeholders in the aluminium supply chain. Rusal plans to develop non-ferrous metal assets that meet the demands of the circular economy and the low-carbon transition based on an adaptive, equitable, secure, and inclusive value chain and cutting-edge technological solutions. The company intends to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and balance between primary and secondary material resources.

Alumil named "The Most Sustainable Companies in Greece 2023"

Alumil S.A., an aluminium architectural systems company, has been named among the 35 most sustainable companies in Greece for the third consecutive year. The Quality Net Foundation evaluated companies based on environmental, social, and corporate governance performance on ESG criteria. Alumil S.A. has its headquarters in Stavrochori Kilkis, Greece, and operates worldwide with over 30 subsidiaries. The results were announced at the Goulandris Natural History Museum.

Ball to provide its client ASI certified aluminium cans and bottles

Ball Corporation's Global Aerosol Packaging business has been accredited by the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) for Performance and Chain of Custody Standards. This certification is applicable to all of Ball's aerosol containers and slugs produced across its nine facilities worldwide. Ball is the first manufacturer of extruded aluminium to offer ASI-certified aluminium aerosol cans, slugs and bottles to its clients. The move is in line with Ball's environmental targets to achieve 100% renewable power usage by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which includes ensuring that all aluminium purchased is from certified sustainable sources.

SIG Vita uses ASI-certified aluminium packaging for its new products

SIG, a UK-based flexible packaging company, has partnered with German dairy company Hochwald to use its SIG Vita family-sized packaging for its new plant-based goods. The aluminium used in the packaging is ASI-certified, and the paperboard is derived from 100% FSC-certified forests and other regulated sources. The new packaging is very convenient and is a crucial component of the product idea and the company's path towards the plant-based sector. The use of aluminium in packaging is gaining popularity due to its high recyclability and lightweight, making it a crucial component in a more circular, low-carbon economy.

Real Alloy achieves ASI Performance Standard V2 certification for its 11 production facilities in Canada

Real Alloy, a global leader in third-party aluminium recycling and specification alloy production, has been accredited with the ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) certification for the recycling of aluminium scrap and the manufacture of wrought and foundry alloys. The certification covers 11 manufacturing facilities across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, as well as central strategic and administrative functions at their headquarters in Ohio. Real Alloy provides specified foundry and wrought alloys to various industrial sectors, including automotive and transportation, packaging, manufacturing, and construction.

Though there have been incredible manoeuvres in the past few months, the sustainability segment still lacks global acknowledgement. We have seen how the European, American and Middle Eastern countries are leading the cause for recycling aluminium. Some countries like Nigeria and the Emirates have surprised us with their motivational inclination towards cleanliness and environmental consciousness. Other than that, big companies are continuously spearheading global green movements through the simple installations of Reverse Vending Machines, which are the perfect examples of a circular economy. However, the notion should gain equal importance all over the globe since mass awareness is the only thing that can drive a green revolution.