The global aluminium and renewable energy sectors are witnessing changes with new recycled aluminium trends, circular economy initiatives and strategies for power procurement. Industry leaders are navigating through various regulations, sustainability goals and advanced technologies, shifting production, trade and energy sourcing.
Weekly recap: Sustainability & Recycled AL by AL Circle Pvt Ltd
{alcircleadd}Recycled AL regional update
Two trucks filled with 37 tonnes or more of aluminium scrap were seized by the Polish border authorities. Irrespective of these scraps being designated for the country, but due to the failure of having “processing and disposal” paperwork, the authorities had to take the step. Because of this, the shipment was sent back to its origin, Germany. This significantly upholds the strict law enforced and followed in the cross-border waste management regulations. For the further scoop, tap here.
By embracing circular economy practices, driving green growth and bolstering global competitiveness, India is looking at an impressive growth rate for its secondary aluminium sector. The country meets 40 per cent of the total demand for aluminium by using its domestic as well as imported aluminium scrap. With this strategy, India's feedstock availability, aluminium scrap import duties and streamlining MSMEs tax compliance are severely improved. Go deep into India's secondary aluminium from here.
Trade: Influencing or confusing?
The Aluminum Association is raising concern regarding the US being on the road to endangering its domestic aluminium supply chain. This concern rose when the US exported a total of 2 million tonnes of high-grade aluminium scrap every year, which is nearly a quarter of the total scrap generated domestically. Moreover, this raises alarm as almost 85 per cent of the US aluminium producers are dependent on recycled aluminium. Not only this, the flow of mill-ready scrap and used beverage cans is creating a domestic scrap trade deficit of about 1.3 million tonnes every year. Dig deeper into the scoop here.
At the BIR World Recycling Convention, held in Bangkok on October 28, the International Trade Council hosted a session which dealt with the rising challenges that the global aluminium companies are facing, as national tariffs are disrupting the trade dynamics. Some attendees described the tariff as sensible for protecting the domestic industries, which can create a hindrance while trading essential raw materials across borders. To go deeper into the session discussion, click here.
Recycling initiative & innovation
Every Can Counts US, in collaboration with the National Links Trust, is developing a pilot recycling program for aluminium beverage cans. This initiative is undertaken at the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., with the theme "DC cage". These recycling stations and specially commissioned green bins are complete with signage to engage both golfers and visitors. With these scraps, an extended support will be provided to the golf course's sustainability efforts. For further details about the initiative, tap here.
An Australian recycler is turning nearly half a million aluminium scraps into a two-bedroom home in New South Wales' rural area. It is possible by rigorously collecting beverage containers through his country's deposit-refund scheme and participating in local clean-ups after significant events. With this collection, the recycler is able to gather around AUD 46 thousand (USD 30 thousand). To know more about the innovation, click here.
Global recycled AL outlook
From 27.7 million tonnes in 2023 to 28.4 million tonnes in 2024, the global recycled aluminium market is moving in a positive upward direction. As per the forecast of RUSAL, by 2029, the demand for aluminium will skyrocket, surging by almost 17.3 million tonnes, among which, a 39 per cent share will be held by the recycled aluminium, and China will account for nearly 84 per cent. The recycled segment is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.62 per cent through 2032. For the complete outlook, visit here.
Sustainable achievements
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) have provided Shandong Innovation Group Co., Ltd. with certification under Performance Standard V3.1 (2023) and Chain of Custody Standard V2 (2022). This has been awarded to the group for its aluminium recycling, remelting and production facility located in China. For further details, click here.
A new solar panel, referred to as "Hypersol Pro", known for its high efficiency, has been unveiled by Vikram Solar at the Renewable Energy India Expo 2025. Hypersol Pro will surge the efficiency level by 23.69 per cent, with the delivered output power going up to 640 Wp. Moreover, its design specifically supports yielding maximum energy, irrespective of conditions like mismatches and shading. For the complete scoop, visit here.
Update: Renewable Energies
The Energy Intensive Industries (EII) Exemption Scheme, which extensively supports the heavy power users, will be expanded by the UK Department for Business and Trade. The officials have provided a relief which previously offered only 60 per cent, will now provide 90 per cent. The focus of this move was to align the prices of the UK industrial electricity with those of the countries trying to safeguard their domestic manufacturing. Get more details here.
Hydro, as a result of concluding its long-term power-purchase agreement with Överturingen wind farm, will receive USD 25.0 million. This indicates the need of financial adjustments tied to the firm's changing power procurement strategy within the Nordic energy market. In 2024, the firm faced a similar issue concerning PPA agreements alongside financing for a renewable project. Learn more.
India's solar energy is advancing with Rajasthan's 2.45 GW Pugal Solar Park located in Bikaner, featuring a 5 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS). This project is backed by the state government, guaranteeing energy off-take with high-capacity grid infrastructure, which will be managed by the state transmission utility. To know more, go here.
During the 55th session of the GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee held in Kuwait, EGA bagged the Gulf Industrial Excellence Award. This reflects back on EGA's continuous impact on the industry via cutting-edge digital systems, home-grown technology and Industry 4.0. In 2021, EGA's Industry 4.0 program made USD 120 million and for more than 30 years has been investing in domestic aluminium-smelting technologies, leading to 30 per cent lower electricity consumption per tonne of aluminium produced. Uncover the whole scoop.
Vedanta Aluminium reduced 8.96 per cent of its greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity since FY2021, cutting down the emissions to 17.01 t CO₂e per tonne of aluminium produced. The firm released three important ESG disclosures for FY25, including a Sustainable Development Report, which further includes a TNFD report adhering to the LEAP framework and a TCFD report. The company is also pushing for circular economy initiatives, indicating sustainability as a key element of its growth strategy. Know more about the story here.
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