Aluminium industry leaders convened at Climate Week NYC to discuss accelerating the decarbonisation of the aluminium value chain through visible innovation, integrated procurement strategies, and cross-sector collaboration, while addressing regional disparities in recycling, energy access, and regulatory frameworks.
In a panel hosted by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), the executives called on each other to demonstrate the leadership needed to push ambition and demonstrate an economically viable transformation pathway for the sector.
Key points raised during the panel included Opportunities for collaboration, shared challenges, and calls for policy improvements.
Aluminium plays a pivotal role in supporting a low-carbon future due to its versatility and recyclability, but meeting global climate targets requires addressing significant challenges across markets. The panel explored how collaboration between aluminium producers, manufacturers, consumer brands, and policymakers can help overcome these challenges and drive sustainable demand for low-carbon materials.
“The aluminium industry has made strong progress, but to meet the growing demand for low-carbon materials, we must work together across the value chain and with our peers, not just our supply chains” said Marlen Bertram, Director of Scenarios & Forecasts at the IAI, who opened the event showing data which evidenced the decoupling of aluminium production and emissions.
Eivind Kallevik, CEO, Hydro pointed out the need to invest in technology to support decarbonisation across the value chain.
John Rost, SVP Global Sustainability, Crown called on the industry to ensure transformation is truly in line with customer demand and need.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, underlined the urgency of scaling up the sustainable production of the only “infinitely recyclable material” as production is forecast to increase.
Jakob Stausholm, CEO, Rio Tinto doubled down on the need to combine progress on production with renewable power and stable grids to support integrated sustainable development.
Gunnar Guethenke, Head of Procurement, Mercedes-Benz highlighted the opportunity for the industry to drive adoption of technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
The event also saw highlights from Industry leaders Ball, Novelis and CBA as they shared their progress in driving sustainability with showcases from Maria Alegre, Global Stakeholder Relations Director, Ball; Pierre Labat, Chief Strategy & Sustainability Officer, Novelis; and Leandro Campos de Faria, Chief Sustainability Officer, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio.
As the aluminium industry continues its journey toward decarbonisation, the IAI remains committed to facilitating cross-sector dialogue, driving innovation, and advocating for policies that support sustainability goals both regionally and globally.
“Decarbonizing the aluminium industry is essential for a sustainable future, but it requires coordinated efforts across the value chain,” said Ms Bertram. “With collaboration, innovation, and the right policy frameworks, we can make meaningful progress towards a low-carbon future.”