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Reframing scrap: Why the UK must recognise aluminium as a strategic resource

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0530

Aluminium is often described as the ultimate circular material, and in many respects that is true. In the UK, we have built a system over decades that is already highly effective. Collection rates are strong, recycling systems are established, and remelting capability exists across the supply chain. This is not a sector starting from scratch, nor is it one in need of fixing at a fundamental level.

What is less well understood is that the real challenge facing aluminium in the UK is not about recycling performance. It is about value. More specifically, it is about where that value is captured, and whether the UK is in a position to retain it.

Too often, aluminium is still framed as “scrap” and that language matters. It underplays the reality that secondary aluminium is one of the UK’s most important domestic raw materials, particularly in a country with very limited primary production capacity. As highlighted in ALFED’s recent reports, secondary aluminium delivers up to 95 per cent energy savings compared to primary production and plays a central role in both industrial competitiveness and net zero delivery.

At the same time, the UK remains heavily reliant on imported primary aluminium. In 2025 alone, around 68,000 tonnes were imported from the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. That reliance has always carried a degree of exposure, but recent geopolitical instability and disruption to energy-intensive smelting operations in the region have brought that risk into sharper focus. Supply chains that once felt stable are now subject to external pressures that the UK cannot control.

This is where circularity becomes more than an environmental concept. It becomes a question of resilience. If we can make better use of the material already within our system, through improved alloy development, processing capability and closed-loop applications, there is a real opportunity to reduce that dependency over time.

The issue is that while the UK generates significant volumes of aluminium scrap, we are not consistently retaining the value associated with it. Material flows are increasingly shaped by global pricing and demand rather than domestic industrial need.

Recent data illustrates this clearly. Exports of aluminium scrap to the United States increased significantly from around 2,000 tonnes in 2024 to over 23,000 tonnes in 2025. Overall exports under the 7602 HS Commodity Code rose from around 612,000 tonnes in 2024 to over 623,000 tonnes in 2025. The increase itself is relatively modest, but the direction of travel is important. It shows that flows are shifting and increasingly responding to global demand signals and geopolitical dynamics.

At the same time, the UK imported around 90,000 tonnes of aluminium scrap under HS code 7602 in 2025. This is not a question of shortage. It is a question of how material moves, where value is captured, and whether the UK is competitive enough to retain and process more of that material domestically.

The underlying constraint is structural. The UK has strong collection systems and established demand, but there is a clear gap in the midstream. This includes advanced sorting, alloy-specific processing and recycling-to-product infrastructure. Without sufficient capacity in these areas, exporting material often becomes the most viable option, even when greater long-term value could be achieved through domestic processing.

House of Lords Lunch 2026

This is where aluminium differs from other metals and why it requires its own policy lens. Aluminium is highly sensitive to alloy composition and relies on precise, often closed-loop systems. The economics of processing are different, and the investment required sits at a different point in the value chain. A one-size-fits-all approach risks missing that nuance.

There is also a broader international dimension that cannot be ignored. The UK aluminium sector is deeply interconnected with Europe through ownership structures, processing routes and supply chains. At the same time, we are seeing increasing policy movement within the EU around scrap retention and circularity. If those policies develop further, and the UK does not respond in a coordinated way, there is a real risk that the UK becomes a net supplier of scrap into a more protected system.

This is why ALFED’s position has been clear and consistent. We are not advocating for export bans. Aluminium operates within a global market and trade is an essential part of that system. The focus instead must be on improving the underlying market conditions that influence where material flows.

At present, it is often simply not competitive to process scrap within the UK. That is the core issue. Rather than restricting exports, the priority should be to create the conditions that make domestic processing the most attractive option.

This means addressing industrial competitiveness, particularly energy costs. It means strengthening domestic demand signals so that UK-produced and recycled aluminium is actively pulled through the system. It also means improving classification and data transparency so that the true value of different material streams can be understood and optimised.

This work is already underway. Through the UK Aluminium Alliance, ALFED is working with industry and government to map capability, identify gaps and build the evidence base for investment. The Alliance provides a framework that connects supply, processing, demand and policy into a single system view, recognising that none of these elements can be addressed in isolation.

What we are hearing consistently from industry is that the appetite to invest exists. The barrier is not willingness, it is confidence. Investors need clear, stable signals and a competitive environment that supports long-term decision making. Without that, the UK risks continuing to export not just material, but the opportunity to create value from it.

There is a clear opportunity here. The UK already has the foundations of a strong circular aluminium system. We have the material, we have the demand, and we have the technical capability. The question is whether we can align policy, market conditions and investment in a way that allows that system to deliver its full value.

Recognising aluminium scrap as a strategic secondary raw material is an important step. From there, the focus must be on building the conditions that allow it to be processed, utilised and valued within the UK.

This is not about restricting trade. It is about strengthening resilience, improving competitiveness and ensuring that circularity translates into real economic benefit. With the right policy framework in place, aluminium can play a central role in the UK’s industrial future, not just as a recycled material, but as a cornerstone of a modern, resilient and competitive manufacturing base.

Read all the latest developments in Europe’s aluminium recycling industry

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal perspective, expertise, or opinion of an individual guest writer. All the information and claims presented here are those of the author alone.

CMR Green Technologies launches ₹6300M IPO amid volatile market conditions

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:30:00 +0530

CMR Green Technologies has moved ahead with its public listing at a time when several companies have delayed IPO plans due to volatile market conditions. The INR 6,300 million (USD 66.16 million) issue is a pure offer-for-sale (OFS), with no fresh issue component, and is also the first mainboard IPO to hit the market in more than a month.

The launch comes at a time when investor sentiment toward OFS-heavy IPOs has remained cautious. Even so, Chairman and Managing Director Mohan Agarwal said the company remains confident about the business and the timing of the issue.

The management also said roadshows with institutional investors gave the company confidence to proceed with the IPO despite ongoing market uncertainty.

Explore our e-magazine “Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment” for the latest industry insights and trends.

The company has chosen not to include a fresh issue in the offering even as it continues to expand capacity. Management said debt remains a more efficient source of funding when leverage is maintained at comfortable levels. The company’s debt-to-equity ratio currently stands at 0.76. It added that the business continues to generate cash and has largely funded expansion plans through operational cash flows.

Compared with listed peers, the company currently reports lower EBITDA and profit margins. Management said aluminium recycling is a volume-driven business where margins are typically narrow, adding that return on capital employed and operational efficiency are more relevant indicators for the sector.

The company said scale remains critical in aluminium recycling and that it continues to focus on process controls, sourcing efficiency and technology adoption to improve recovery rates and margins.

Its recycled aluminium products are primarily supplied to automobile manufacturers and Tier-1 auto component makers. The company is also expanding into beverage can recycling, as well as aluminium demand linked to solar manufacturing and electric vehicles.

The IPO structure has also been revised. Promoters were initially expected to sell 4.29 crore equity shares, but the issue size has now been reduced to 3.28 crore shares.

Promoters, including Mohan Agarwal, Gauri Shankar Agarwal HUF and Mohan Agarwal HUF, will together sell 6.46 million shares through the OFS.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report "World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032"

Investor Global Scrap Processors will sell the largest portion of the offer at around 26 million shares.

The IPO will remain open for public subscription until June 5, while the one-day anchor investor portion is scheduled to open on June 2.

CMR Green Technologies is one of India’s largest aluminium recycling companies and said it holds around 45 per cent market share in its segment. The company added that its operating scale is around four times larger than its nearest domestic competitor.

Global solar waste surge turns aluminium recovery into a strategic recycling opportunity

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:00:00 +0530

For years, the global solar industry focused almost entirely on expansion. Massive solar farms were built across continents, installations surged and photovoltaic (PV) panels became one of the fastest-growing energy technologies in the world. Now, the industry is entering a very different phase - dealing with what happens when those panels begin reaching the end of their life, particularly the growing challenge of recovering valuable materials such as aluminium from ageing solar infrastructure.

A growing number of ageing solar assets, combined with falling module efficiency and large-scale repowering projects, is creating a new stream of solar waste across global markets. Industry projections indicate that discarded PV modules could reach several million tonnes by 2050, turning end-of-life management into one of the sector’s most urgent emerging issues.

At the same time, aluminium recovery is emerging as a major opportunity, with aluminium accounting for around 10-15 per cent of a typical solar panel alongside glass, silicon cells and trace metals such as silver and copper.

Old solar panels become valuable material banks

Most of the world’s solar installations are built using crystalline-silicon (c-Si) modules, which account for more than 90 per cent of installed capacity globally. These panels contain large volumes of reusable industrial materials, with glass typically representing around 65-75 per cent of a solar panel.

Recovering those materials, however, is far more complex than ordinary recycling.

Modern PV recycling systems now combine mechanical, thermal and chemical technologies to separate different layers and recover usable materials. Mechanical processing helps extract glass and metals, thermal treatment removes polymer layers, while chemical refining is used to recover higher-value materials including silver and copper.

Under optimised conditions, these systems can recover nearly 85-95 per cent of total panel material content, allowing recovered resources to flow back into manufacturing supply chains instead of ending up as landfill waste.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032

Recycling becomes part of long-term solar strategy

The conversation around solar recycling is also changing rapidly. What was once viewed mainly as a waste-management issue is increasingly becoming a strategic supply-chain priority.

As global demand rises for materials such as silver, aluminium and high-purity silicon, recovering materials from ageing solar panels is becoming increasingly important for long-term resource security and cost stability.

The pressure is also growing because solar deployment itself continues accelerating. More installations today also mean more decommissioned modules tomorrow, particularly as older systems are replaced with higher-efficiency technologies.

That shift is gradually changing how solar projects are planned. Instead of treating recycling as a final-stage disposal issue, many companies are beginning to integrate end-of-life management into early project planning and asset management strategies.

Within this evolving landscape, companies such as GBP are integrating recycling solutions into solar asset management and repowering strategies, helping connect infrastructure upgrades with circular economy goals and long-term resource efficiency.

Explore our e-magazine Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment for the latest industry insights and trends

Europe aluminium recycling facts: Amidst 8MT demand and 66% scrap export surge, recycling grows over 80%

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:30:00 +0530

Every year, millions of tonnes of aluminium scrap are collected, sorted and processed across Europe before being turned into new products. From used beverage cans and demolished buildings to end-of-life vehicles and industrial waste, recycled aluminium has become an important raw material in Europe’s shift towards a lower-carbon and more circular economy.

Demand for recycled aluminium is also rising steadily. Europe’s aluminium scrap demand stood at around 6.6 million tonnes in 2021 and is expected to approach nearly 8 million tonnes by 2025 - an increase of around 21.1 per cent - driven by stricter recycled-content targets, decarbonisation policies and growing demand from sectors such as automotive, construction and packaging.

With demand for recycled aluminium continuing to rise, Europe’s scrap generation and export is increasing as well. The region is expected to generate around 7 million tonnes of aluminium scrap in 2025, yet nearly 1.4 million tonnes - roughly 20 per cent of total volumes - is projected to leave the region instead of being recycled within Europe itself.

That growing dependence on recycled aluminium is making scrap increasingly strategic for Europe’s industrial and climate goals. Recycled aluminium uses only around 5 per cent of the energy required for primary production from bauxite ore, reducing energy consumption by nearly 95 per cent.

In Europe, it also generates around 92.4 per cent lower CO₂ emissions compared with primary aluminium production, while global emissions reductions can reach 96.6 per cent. Overall, every tonne of recycled aluminium can save nearly 9 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, strengthening its role as a critical low-carbon industrial resource.

Read all the latest developments in Europe’s aluminium recycling industry

Advanced technologies reshape Europe’s recycling industry

Much of the recent growth in Europe’s recycling sector is being driven by rapid technological changes aimed at improving efficiency, sustainability and material recovery.

Closed-loop recycling systems are becoming increasingly common, allowing aluminium to stay within the same product stream instead of being downgraded into lower-value applications. That is helping reduce dependence on primary aluminium while strengthening circular economy models.

Sorting technologies have also advanced significantly in recent years. Recycling facilities are increasingly using eddy current separators, X-ray transmission systems, robotics and automated sorting technologies to improve the speed and accuracy of aluminium separation. These systems are helping recyclers recover more material while lowering labour costs and improving overall efficiency. Alloy sorting technologies are also allowing producers to manufacture higher-quality recycled aluminium with more precise alloy compositions.

The industry is also finding new ways to recover valuable materials from waste streams that were previously difficult to process. Salt slag recycling technologies are helping recover aluminium and useful by-products from smelting waste, while high-temperature systems such as rotary furnaces and plasma arc technologies are reducing the energy needed during melting and refining operations.

At the same time, recycled aluminium is finding growing use in additive manufacturing and 3D printing applications, particularly for lightweight industrial components and advanced manufacturing.

Other technologies are improving metal purity and recovery rates. Nano-filtration systems, advanced filtration technologies and Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) are helping recyclers remove impurities and identify alloy compositions more accurately. Waste heat recovery systems are also helping facilities improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Research institutions are contributing to the innovation push as well. Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have developed nanocatalysts made from used batteries and aluminium foil capable of converting carbon dioxide into methane fuel. Meanwhile, engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology are advancing nanofiltration systems that can recover aluminium ions from industrial waste streams while reducing hazardous waste generation.

Deposit Return System (DRS) technology is also becoming a major driver of aluminium recycling growth across Europe, particularly for beverage cans. Consumers return used cans in exchange for deposit refunds, helping improve both collection rates and scrap quality. Countries including Germany, Norway, Sweden and Finland already operate some of Europe’s most advanced DRS networks using reverse vending machines, barcode recognition, AI-enabled sorting and automated collection systems. Companies such as TOMRA Recycling are playing an increasingly important role in developing DRS infrastructure and high-purity aluminium recovery technologies across Europe.

Other emerging developments include technologies designed to remove iron and manganese impurities from molten aluminium scrap, improving recycled metal quality. Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled systems are also helping recycling plants monitor and optimise operations in real time. But these are only part of the broader transformation currently reshaping the global recycling industry, as explored in the World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis Industry Forecast to 2032 report

Europe’s recycling leaders ramp up investments

Several companies are now leading Europe’s aluminium recycling expansion through major investments and technology upgrades.

Hydro has emerged as one of the region’s most aggressive investors in aluminium recycling. The company is expanding recycling capacity across Europe, including a EUR 180 million recycling plant in Spain, while also advancing its HySort technology that uses LIBS for complex scrap sorting. Hydro is targeting up to 1.1 million tonnes of post-consumer scrap capacity by 2030.

Its subsidiary Alumetal is expanding advanced alloy recycling and renewable-energy-powered recycling operations in Poland and Hungary, with Hydro’s proprietary HySort technology expected to become operational at Alumetal facilities in 2025.

Befesa continues investing in aluminium salt slag recycling and hazardous waste recovery technologies that help recover aluminium and valuable by-products from industrial waste streams.

Meanwhile, TOMRA Recycling is developing AI-enabled sensor sorting systems, advanced alloy separation technologies and high-purity aluminium scrap identification systems that are increasingly being adopted across Europe’s recycling industry.

Constellium is expanding closed-loop recycling systems and automotive aluminium recovery technologies for aerospace and transport applications. At the same time, EGA Leichtmetall announced a EUR 145 million investment in late 2025 to expand aluminium recycling capacity in Germany, including 110,000 tonnes of sorting capacity and 153,000 tonnes of melting and casting capacity scheduled to begin production in 2028.

At the research level, AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is leading several EU-funded projects focused on advanced aluminium recycling, digital traceability systems and circular aluminium supply chains through initiatives such as RecAL.

Europe’s recycling success is also pushing scrap exports higher

Europe’s improving recycling rates are increasingly becoming linked to rising scrap exports. Recycling rates already exceed 90 per cent in sectors such as automotive and construction, while aluminium beverage cans achieve recycling rates of around 75 per cent. But as Europe collects and processes more aluminium to support circular economy and decarbonisation goals, overseas demand for low-carbon secondary aluminium has intensified as well.

Buyers, particularly in Asia, are competing aggressively for European scrap supplies.

As a result, Europe’s aluminium scrap exports have risen by roughly 66 per cent since 2014, highlighting how competition for recyclable low-carbon raw materials is intensifying globally. The shift has become especially visible over the past five years, even as Europe’s own demand for recycled aluminium continues rising.

Back in 2020, Europe handled around 6.2 million tonnes of aluminium scrap, with roughly 84.7 per cent retained within the region for recycling. Exports accounted for around 15 per cent of total volumes, equivalent to nearly 962,000 tonnes, according to IAI data.

By 2021, Europe managed around 6.7 million tonnes of scrap and exports climbed to nearly 1.2 million tonnes, representing close to 18 per cent of total volumes. Although exports eased slightly in 2022 to around 1.1 million tonnes, accounting for 16.2 per cent of roughly 6.9 million tonnes processed, the slowdown proved temporary.

In 2023, overseas shipments rebounded to nearly 1.2 million tonnes as Europe once again managed close to 7 million tonnes of aluminium scrap. Exports accounted for around 18.2 per cent of total volumes, reflecting stronger overseas demand for recyclable aluminium feedstock.

Then came 2024, when Europe managed around 6.9 million tonnes of aluminium scrap during the year, but exports surged to nearly 1.4 million tonnes - around 20.2 per cent of total volumes. The trend highlights growing pressure on Europe’s recycling ecosystem amid rising global demand for secondary aluminium and tightening scrap availability, according to the World Recycled Aluminium Market Analysis Industry Forecast to 2032 report.

Where is most of the scrap going?

Today, around 75-80 per cent of Europe’s aluminium scrap exports are directed towards Asia, making the region the largest destination for European scrap shipments. Countries such as India, China, Thailand, Türkiye and Pakistan continue increasing imports as global demand for secondary aluminium raw materials accelerates.

Europe exported 506,290 tonnes of aluminium scrap to India in 2021 before shipments declined by 8.3 per cent to 464,159 tonnes in 2022. Volumes later recovered to 499,936 tonnes in 2023 before easing slightly to 472,328 tonnes in 2024. In 2025, exports rebounded sharply by around 18.5 per cent year-on-year to 559,751 tonnes - the highest level recorded during the period.

China’s expansion has been even more dramatic. Europe exported 204,201 tonnes of aluminium scrap to China in 2021 before shipments surged by 77.4 per cent to 362,258 tonnes in 2022. Exports then climbed another 33.4 per cent to 483,428 tonnes in 2023 and increased further to 503,286 tonnes in 2024. In 2025, exports jumped another 24 per cent year-on-year to 623,919 tonnes, marking a fresh five-year high.

Thailand also emerged as a fast-growing destination. Europe exported 69,798 tonnes to Thailand in 2021 before shipments dipped slightly to 60,220 tonnes in 2022. Exports later surged by 73.9 per cent to 104,716 tonnes in 2023 and rose another 46.3 per cent to 153,201 tonnes in 2024 before easing to 130,212 tonnes in 2025.

Türkiye’s imports showed a more volatile trend. Imports stood at 139,672 tonnes in 2021, increased to 146,496 tonnes in 2022, fell sharply to 114,086 tonnes in 2023 and later recovered to 133,321 tonnes in 2024 and 142,351 tonnes in 2025.

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The growing “scrap leakage” debate

Inside the industry, the rise in exports is increasingly being described as “scrap leakage”. The concern is straightforward: instead of remaining within Europe to support local recycling plants and low-carbon aluminium production, growing volumes of valuable scrap are being processed overseas.

The UK has become a major net exporter of aluminium scrap, exporting around 623,000 tonnes in 2025 while importing only around 90,000 tonnes.

The biggest reason remains price. Foreign buyers - especially in Asia - are often willing to pay significantly more for European scrap than local recyclers can offer. Countries including China and Türkiye continue expanding recycling capacity as they seek to lower emissions and reduce production costs, making imported scrap strategically important.

The United States has also added fresh pressure to global scrap flows. Washington recently doubled Section 232 tariffs on steel and aluminium products to 50 per cent while exempting scrap metal. The move created a lucrative arbitrage opportunity, allowing traders to import European scrap into the US tariff-free, process it there and later sell finished aluminium products behind tariff protection.

European aluminium scrap exports to the United States showed sharp volatility over the past five years, starting at around 14,499 tonnes in 2021 before dropping by nearly 61.5 per cent to 5,589 tonnes in 2022. Exports then rebounded by around 98.1 per cent to 11,073 tonnes in 2023 and rose another 13.4 per cent to 12,560 tonnes in 2024. The biggest jump came in 2025, when exports surged by nearly 191.6 per cent year-on-year to around 36,621 tonnes.

Brussels weighs export controls

Global trade rules are now adding another layer of tension to the debate. According to the OECD inventory of export restrictions on industrial raw materials, many countries importing European scrap already protect their own raw material supply through tariffs, licensing systems or export controls.

China imposes a 15 per cent export tariff on aluminium scrap, while Vietnam applies a 22 per cent tariff on aluminium waste and scrap under CN 760200. Malaysia maintains a 10 per cent export tariff alongside licensing requirements. Indonesia has implemented licensing systems on aluminium scrap exports and has also banned alumina exports.

Many European industry participants argue that these measures create an uneven market, with other countries protecting strategic raw materials while Europe remains comparatively open. The European Commission has already rolled out a metal scrap surveillance system in mid-2025 to monitor export flows more closely. The collected data is expected to support a formal review next year, after which policymakers may consider export duties, export licensing systems or mandatory recycled-content targets.

Brussels is also designing what it describes as a “balanced measure”, potentially involving export fees or restrictions on aluminium scrap exports. The aim is to preserve open trade while ensuring European industries retain enough recycled material to support industrial resilience and climate goals. A targeted consultation was launched in May 2026 ahead of the final regulation.

Industry remains divided

Despite growing political attention, the industry itself remains sharply divided over possible export restrictions. Scrap suppliers and traders strongly oppose export controls, arguing that high export volumes reflect weak domestic demand and insufficient European capacity to process mixed-grade scrap, particularly material from end-of-life vehicles.

The European Recycling Industries’ Confederation (EuRIC) believes the answer lies in strengthening domestic demand for recycled aluminium rather than imposing tariffs. Market participants estimate that a 25-30 per cent export tariff could add between EUR 50 and EUR 150 per tonne to export costs, while domestic scrap prices could rise by EUR 20-40 per tonne, especially for high-grade material.

For Europe, the aluminium scrap debate is no longer simply about recycling. It is increasingly becoming a wider discussion about industrial competitiveness, raw material security and whether the continent can retain enough recycled metal to support its long-term green transition.

Can recycling and innovation shield aluminium from global disruptions?

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:00:00 +0530

The global aluminium sector is witnessing a sharp transition as recycling, low-carbon technologies, trade tensions and supply chain disruptions reshape industry priorities. On the one hand, stronger earnings and recycling investments have been unlocked, while on the other hand, the impact of the Middle East conflict and Europe’s decarbonisation push continues to gain market attention. Producers and policymakers are striving to secure raw materials, improve the circular economy and protect industrial competitiveness amid mounting geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

Europe’s recycling drive faces pressure due to trade tensions

Italy achieved a 92.8 per cent aluminium beverage can recycling rate in 2025 and has left its imprint as a new global recycling leader. The high recovery rate highlights the country’s efficient collection and recycling infrastructure, helping reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions linked to primary aluminium production. The milestone reflects efficient collection systems and growing industry focus on sustainable packaging and closed-loop recycling.

However, Germany’s recycling sector remained under pressure. According to Aluminium Deutschland, the country produced 684,564 tonnes of recycled aluminium in Q1 2026, down around 3 per cent Y-o-Y amid weak industrial demand, high energy costs and limited scrap availability. The slump additionally points to the challenges surfacing in Europe’s recycling and downstream aluminium sectors amid economic uncertainty and global oversupply concerns. Recovery expectations for 2026 also remain subdued.

Delve deeper into the recycled aluminium and secondary aluminium market with our World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032

Meanwhile, Norsk Hydro remained under investor focus after updating markets on quarterly earnings, dividends and spending plans. The company continues balancing weak aluminium prices and volatile energy costs while expanding its low-carbon aluminium and recycling portfolio.

Hydro and Parsons Healthy Materials Lab are jointly examining how recycled and low-carbon aluminium can support sustainable construction practices. They would examine how recycling technologies and renewable-powered aluminium are reshaping construction material choices. One initiative of the partnership is an aluminium-focused research study examining low-carbon aluminium solutions, their limitations, and the implications for material specification and use in construction. The other would study low-carbon aluminium in construction with a New York Masterclass exploring recycled aluminium’s role in reducing supply chain emissions. Read more.

Europe’s aluminium industry has unveiled a comprehensive innovation roadmap aimed at accelerating the sector’s transition toward climate neutrality and industrial resilience. Published by European Aluminium, The Innovation Agenda: Technologies for a Sustainable Aluminium Industry in Europe positions aluminium as a strategic material critical to clean energy systems, electric mobility, construction, packaging, aerospace, digital infrastructure and defence. The Agenda identifies six major pillars, viz., electrification, hydrogen, recycling, resource efficiency, carbon-free primary production and carbon capture, forming the foundation of Europe’s aluminium decarbonisation strategy.

At the same time, European aluminium associations warned that rising global overcapacity, particularly from China, is distorting competition and threatening Europe’s industrial base. Groups including European Aluminium, European Metals, AEGIS Europe and IMA Europe are calling for stronger and faster EU Trade Defence Instruments (TDIs) to counter subsidised imports and market imbalances. The industry argues that existing anti-dumping and trade defence mechanisms are no longer sufficient to address the pace of oversupply and unfair trade practices impacting Europe’s upstream and downstream aluminium value chains.

Similarly, rising aluminium prices and supply tightness triggered by the Middle East conflict are creating fresh opportunities for AI-driven recycling startups. These companies are using machine learning and automated sorting technologies to improve scrap recovery, reduce processing costs and secure secondary aluminium supply as manufacturers seek alternatives to expensive primary metal. The trend also indicates the increasing strive to realise circular economy solutions as pressure continues to mount on global aluminium supply chains.

Asia-Pacific accelerates recycling, clean energy and resource security

Japan-based Daiki Aluminium Industry posted robust FY26 results, with consolidated net sales increasing 10.4 per cent year-on-year to JPY 331.1 billion (USD 2.08 billion). Operating profit climbed 50.4 per cent to JPY 7.3 billion (USD 46 million), while profit attributable to shareholders surged more than fourfold to JPY 3.7 billion (USD 23.36 million), supported by improved operational efficiency and stronger market conditions.

India-based Premier Energies also delivered robust Q4 FY26 growth, reporting a 37.6 per cent rise in revenue to INR 22.3 billion (USD 232 million). Profit after tax rose 64.45 per cent to INR 4.57 billion (USD 47.5 million), aided by higher-margin solar cell sales, better capacity utilisation and favourable product mix. Click here to learn more.

Vietnam is intensifying efforts to emerge as a regional aluminium recycling hub through tax incentives, policy support and investment in scrap processing infrastructure. The country aims to reduce dependence on imported primary aluminium, encouraging investment in recycling infrastructure and secondary aluminium production and align with global decarbonisation goals. The move comes amid tightening competition for scrap worldwide, with Vietnam aiming to position itself as a regional recycling hub while supporting its growing downstream manufacturing and export sectors.

As the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts aluminium and nickel supply chains, a question mark looms over Asia’s renewable energy ambitions, threatening to raise costs for solar panels, wind turbines and grid infrastructure across the region. Countries including Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines have accelerated rooftop solar and renewable energy deployment in recent years, largely in response to persistently high fossil fuel prices. But the growing instability around the Strait of Hormuz is now casting a shadow of uncertainty over the supply of critical industrial metals required for the energy transition.

China, meanwhile, is exploring coal waste as a potential domestic source of critical minerals used in batteries, semiconductors, electric vehicles and defence-related industries, as the country moves to secure supplies of strategic raw materials. A recent report noted that fly ash and gangue produced during coal mining, washing and combustion may hold recoverable amounts of germanium, aluminium, lithium and gallium. Studies suggest that coal should now be treated as waste generated through mining, and power generation can also contain valuable metallic elements.

Explore the position of aluminium at the intersection of sustainability and strategy in Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment

Alupro reveals how to achieve the circular packaging economy with new manifesto

Fri, 29 May 2026 09:30:00 +0530

As part of its commitment to delivering a circular and sustainable aluminium packaging supply chain for the UK, Alupro has unveiled a pioneering new manifesto. Alongside navigating the sector through a challenging period of change, the report aims to create the conditions needed to further improve the availability of recycled materials for use in the production of new aluminium packaging.

Calling for changes that maximise the opportunities presented by recent reforms in national waste policy, the manifesto details the precise support needed from government and other stakeholders that will allow the aluminium value chain to realise its full potential at the heart of an efficient packaging circular economy.

Alongside championing the circularity of aluminium packaging and shining a spotlight on recent market growth, the report outlines key challenges facing the sector and explains why rising costs and stringent regulations are reducing the sector’s competitiveness in the face of strong economic uncertainty.

Reaffirming the importance of close collaboration between industry and government, the manifesto explains how, with the right support, the UK can further increase the use of recycled materials, as well as accelerating progress towards decarbonising the sector and inspiring future sector growth to protect valuable manufacturing jobs. As part of the document, five key asks are outlined:

1. That the packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system should fund the attainment of recycling targets through infrastructure improvements and public engagement campaigns, as well as encouraging the use of easy-to-recycle packaging materials like aluminium.

2. That the UK’s deposit return scheme (DRS) should prioritise ‘can-to-can’ recycling loops to fund the system, secure long-lasting environmental outcomes and protect well-paid manufacturing jobs.

3. That measures should be adopted to ensure waste packaging materials are sold to recyclers who will turn it into new packaging grade material, as well as supporting companies in using more recycled material in their products.

4. That companies should be incentivised to prioritise materials whose inherent properties do not change after being recycled (like aluminium) in their packaging designs, allowing them to survive multiple recycling journeys and reducing reliance on critical raw materials.

5.That UK economic and environmental policies should support the aluminium value chain in its efforts to decarbonise, as well as improving global competitiveness with targeted strategic support on high operating costs.

Commenting on the manifesto launch, Tom Giddings, executive director of Alupro, said: “Aluminium is the UK’s ultimate packaging material, popular with household brands looking for a trusted, sustainable solution to protect their products. With clear targets in place to maximise the use of recyclable packaging, adoption rates continue to accelerate with market growth of more than 50% realised in the past decade alone.

Exlore: ALuminium in Packaging: Consumer Trends and Market Dynamics

“However, amidst a complex backdrop of rising costs and stringent regulations, the industry is facing numerous challenges that are not only challenging global competitiveness, but also holding back future growth. Our aluminium manifesto aims to tackle these hurdles head-on, calling for five key asks to drive the industry forward.

“Voicing the views of the aluminium packaging value chain, the report outlines exactly what must happen to create a more circular packaging economy.”

Note: This article has been issued by Alupro and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.

EU aluminium scrap export curbs worry recyclers, Commission receives joint letter

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:59:00 +0530

European recycling companies and associations, coordinated by Recycling Europe, have asked the European Commission to review export restrictions on recycled aluminium scrap. Addressing the Executive Vice President Stéphane Séjourné and Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič in a joint letter on May 28, they expressed concerns regarding measures being built upon defective bases that might nullify the industrial objectives being promoted.

Arguing that the region is not facing a structural shortage of recyclable material as claimed by policymakers, signatories stated that Europe’s recycling industry already generates high-quality secondary aluminium that frequently exceeds domestic demand while contributing positively to the EU’s trade balance. Although recyclers acknowledge the wider pressures affecting the industry, like rising operating costs and intensifying international competition, they warned against measures that support one segment of the value chain at the expense of another, thereby forming a disproportionate scenario.

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The groups cautioned that introducing export restrictions without sufficient market evidence or broader consultation could weaken recycling operations, delay future investments and leave substantial volumes of recyclable material uncollected or untreated. According to the coalition, such consequences would run counter to the EU’s circular economy ambitions and could also threaten employment across the recycling sector.

Moreover, the associations noted that the reasoning behind limiting recycled aluminium scrap exports could eventually be extended to products such as aluminium ingots and billets. Citing the example of supply disruptions in the Gulf region spurred by the Middle East conflict, they pointed out how global market volatility continues to complicate supply-demand dynamics. They cited the

Calling for a more balanced policy approach, the recyclers urged the European Commission to engage more closely with industry stakeholders in shaping future trade measures and expressed willingness to participate in further discussions.

Explore the position of aluminium at the intersection of sustainability and strategy in Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment

June 2026 spotlight: Europe’s aluminium recycling industry

Fri, 29 May 2026 08:45:00 +0530

Europe's aluminium recycling industry is undergoing a pivotal phase.

With steep climate targets, policies, growing demand for low-carbon aluminium, and rapid advancements in recycling technologies, Europe has emerged as one of the most influential regions, shaping the future of aluminium. Developments in recycling, scrap availability, sustainability, and recycled aluminium production are increasingly affecting procurement strategies, investment decisions, trade flows, and manufacturing priorities across the global aluminium value chain.

Considering the significance of these shifts, AL Circle is launching a month-long project throughout June 2026. Through a series of in-depth articles, expert interviews, opinion pieces, market analyses, webinars, and industry insights, this initiative will explore the trends, challenges, opportunities, and future outlook shaping Europe's aluminium recycling market.

Keep an eye on this page, "Aluminium Recycling in Europe: Challenges & Opportunities" for everything that we have planned for this initiative.

Why the focus is on Europe:

Europe's leadership in aluminium recycling brings both competitive advantages and complex challenges. Below are the key themes we will touch on throughout the month.

Europe is setting the global benchmark for low-carbon aluminium: Europe's decarbonisation agenda is accelerating demand for recycled aluminium, positioning the region as a leader in the transition towards low-carbon materials and circular manufacturing.

Challenge: Balancing ambitious climate goals with industrial competitiveness remains a major concern, particularly amid high energy costs and increasing global competition.

European aluminium is driven by secondary aluminium: Recycled aluminium already contributes 60% share of Europe's entire aluminium supply, making recycling critical to the region's long-term material security and industrial resilience.

Challenge: Ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality scrap and maintaining alloy performance for advanced applications remains a key industry priority.

Europe is driving recycling through policy: From policies and Circular Economy Action Plans to Deposit Return Schemes, Europe is actively using policy to reshape how aluminium is collected, recycled, and reused.

Challenge: Policy implementation varies significantly across countries, creating differences in collection efficiency, recycling performance, and investment attractiveness.

Europe is sitting on a growing scrap mine: With decades of aluminium use in buildings, vehicles, and packaging reaching end-of-life, Europe is expected to see a significant increase in available post-consumer scrap over the coming decades.

Challenge: A substantial volume of valuable aluminium scrap continues to leave the region, limiting Europe's ability to fully capture the economic and sustainability benefits of recycling.

Europe is becoming a hub for recycling innovation: Advanced sorting technologies, AI-powered material recovery, and next-generation remelting solutions are helping Europe improve recycling efficiency and expand the use of recycled aluminium in high-value applications.

Challenge: Scaling these innovations across the industry while improving traceability, standardisation, and scrap quality remains an ongoing challenge.

Why this matters beyond Europe

While the initiative focuses on Europe, the implications are global.

The region is effectively becoming a testing ground for many of the policies, technologies, and market mechanisms that are likely to influence aluminium industries elsewhere in the coming years.

Questions, addressed for and within Europe today, are increasingly relevant worldwide:

How can aluminium producers reduce their carbon footprint?

How can manufacturers secure reliable sources of low-carbon aluminium?

What role will recycled content play in future procurement requirements?

How can scrap quality and alloy management be improved?

What investments are needed to support circular aluminium production?

How will regulations influence trade and competitiveness?

Whether a company operates in Asia, North America, the Middle East, or Africa, the answers to these questions are becoming increasingly important. Bookmark this page while we continue through the journey of "Aluminium Recycling in Europe: Challenges & Opportunities".

AI recycling startups see opportunity as aluminium prices surge

Tue, 26 May 2026 20:30:00 +0530

Rising aluminium prices are creating new opportunities for recycling and waste-sorting startups as global supply disruptions tighten the market.

Aluminium prices have climbed sharply in recent months after conflict in the Gulf region disrupted supply from one of the world’s largest aluminium-producing hubs. Around 10 per cent of global aluminium production comes from the Gulf region, and the supply uncertainty has pushed aluminium prices to some of the highest levels seen in decades.

The situation has also renewed interest in aluminium recycling, especially in the United States, where a significant share of aluminium demand is supplied from recycled material.

Amp and Sortera are among the few companies that are using AI systems to improve aluminium recovery from waste streams.

According to Amp CTO Matanya Horowitz, aluminium represents only 1 per cent of total waste but remains one of the most valuable recyclable materials, with trades going up to USD 1000 per tonne.

Sortera recently opened its second recycling facility in Tennessee, doubling its annual processing capacity to around 240 million pounds.

The company mainly focuses on sorting aluminium scrap and uses technologies like cameras, lasers and X-ray fluorescence sensors along with AI algorithms to identify different grades of aluminium.

Explore: The most comprehensive and forward-looking industry-focused report – World Recycled ALuminium Market Analysis Industry forecast to 2032

By separating aluminium scrap more accurately, the company aims to improve the value recovered from each tonne of material processed.

Amp has taken a broader approach by using AI-powered systems to sort both general waste and recycling streams. Its system uses infrared and visual sensors along with robotic arms and air-based sorting systems to separate materials including aluminium, plastics and foil packaging.

The company said its systems can recover specific materials with accuracy levels above 90 per cent. Horowitz said a large amount of aluminium still ends up in general garbage streams instead of entering recycling systems, even in cities with established recycling programs.

Industry estimates cited in the report suggest only around 20 per cent of aluminium waste is currently recovered in the United States.

As aluminium continues to be classified as a critical mineral by the US government, recycling is increasingly being viewed as an important domestic supply source for sectors including construction, packaging, transportation and energy infrastructure.

The report added that AI-driven recycling facilities could become one of the larger sources of domestically produced aluminium supply coming online in the coming years.

Explore our e-magazine Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment for the latest industry insights and trends.

Sortera Technologies doubles capacity with new Tennessee facility, deploying physical AI to strengthen the US supply chain for high-purity recycled aluminum

Sun, 24 May 2026 10:42:00 +0530

Sortera Technologies, Inc., an innovative material sorting company with an upcycling platform powered by artificial intelligence, data analytics, and advanced sensors, today announced that its second state-of-the-art processing facility in Lebanon, Tennessee, is moving into full operational status this month.

The launch of the Lebanon facility marks a pivotal milestone for Sortera, effectively doubling the company's total annual processing capacity to an estimated 240 million lbs. This expansion is a direct response to the overwhelming success of Sortera's flagship Markle, Indiana facility and the surging demand for high-purity, sustainably sourced aluminium alloys, while securing a resilient domestic supply chain for American manufacturers.

By bringing the Lebanon facility online, Sortera is positioning its high-purity upcycling platform at the heart of the "Battery Belt" and the Southern automotive manufacturing corridor. The facility utilises Sortera's proprietary AI-driven sorting technology to transform mixed alloy scrap into high-value materials for the automotive, construction, and aerospace industries. This keeps critical materials within the US economy, reducing reliance on international imports and volatile global markets.

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"The performance of our Markle facility proved there is strong appetite for sustainable, high-quality recycled aluminium," said Michael Siemer, CEO of Sortera Technologies. "By bringing our Lebanon operation online, we are meeting that demand head-on—effectively doubling our capacity and providing a streamlined, localised supply chain for our regional customers. Optimising our high-speed sorting lines here in Tennessee ensures our partners receive the highest purity feedstock with maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact."

The Lebanon operation mirrors the advanced capabilities of the Markle facility, which has been instrumental in demonstrating how mixed scrap — historically downgraded or shipped overseas—can be reclaimed for critical domestic applications.

Key benefits of the Sortera's upcycled metals include:

Energy Efficiency: Using approximately 95 per cent less energy than virgin aluminium production;
Carbon Reduction: Providing a massive reduction in the CO₂ footprint for Sortera's partners, supporting their 2030 and 2040 sustainability goals; and
Strategic Logistics: Reducing transport emissions and costs by providing high-quality recycled content directly to regional manufacturers.

Read our latest e-Magazine Sustainability & Recycling: Aluminium's Dual Commitment for current market insights from industry's leading voices

"Bringing the Lebanon facility to full operational status is a testament to our team's ability to scale this complex technology rapidly," said Ben Pope, COO of Sortera Technologies. "This facility represents the next evolution of our operational footprint, building a more robust, domestic infrastructure that can support the rapid growth of sustainable manufacturing in North America."

The Lebanon facility achieved full operational status both on schedule and within budget, a testament to Sortera's disciplined approach to scaling its industrial footprint. Demonstrating the maturity of the company's AI-powered platform, the facility successfully produced sellable, high-purity material within its first week of operation. This seamless transition from installation to production highlights Sortera's ability to rapidly deploy its technology to meet urgent market requirements without the typical delays associated with complex industrial commissions. The addition of the Tennessee facility cements Sortera's position as a leader in the domestic circular economy for critical metals.

Note: This article has been issued by Sortera Technologies Inc. and has been published by AL Circle with its original information without any modifications or edits to the core subject/data.