The Future Aluminium Forum began on the 22nd May in Istanbul, Turkey. The event saw key players and experts come together to discuss innovative technologies pushing the industry forward to a developed future.
“Future aluminium is all about sustainability”- Erol Metin, Advisor to the Board of Directors, Talsad
Opening the event, Nadine Bloxsome, Editor, Aluminium International Today welcomed attendees and exhibitors to Istanbul.
The Erol Metin, Advisor to the Board of Directors, Talsad, hosted the first presentation in the keynote session. he broke down the Turkish aluminium market and its position in the global market. He noted the importance of assessing each part of the production chain and finding personalised solution for decarbonising each aspect.
Following on from this, Ron Knapp, Adviser, China Hongqiao Group Limited (HK), addressed the industry stating, " sometimes we have to wait for the research to catch up with the technology." This statement lingered throughout the forum; there is, somewhat, a unanimous understanding that the industry needs innovation, but at an practical industry scale.
Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), Chief Digital Officer, Carlo Khalil Nizam headed this statement and presented real life examples of AI application in the EGA plants. providing recordings of digital transformation, digitalisation and digitisation, he defined each term whilst "walk[ing] the talk."
The second session changed topic briefly looking into the green sustainability agenda. Opening the session, Pernelle Nunez, Deputy Secretary General, International Aluminium Institute (IAI).
“Aluminium’s properties make it essential for a sustainable future” - Pernelle Nunez.
It has long been known that the decarbonising is an immoveable part of the aluminium future. But the decarbonising roadmap also understand that innovation and new technologies are essential to bringing a decarbonised future into fruition. Responding to this, Marcus Oberhofer, Managing Director, HAI and Siri Sande, Marketing Manger, Storvik both presented on the application of technology relating to the sustainability agenda.
"We are on track, but e need to work together to ensure everyone is on the same track". - Siri Sande
The forum conference came to a close and welcomed attendees to cocktail drinks hosted by the official supporter, Talsad. With the warm Turkish sun heating the evening and the sun catching the sea, the aluminium industry were given a beautiful setting to network, and prepare for day two of the Future Aluminium Conference.
The second day of the forum will continue onto the 23rd May. The event will welcomes attendees with a morning session with exclusive presentations.