Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change are priorities for the aluminum industry. However, the sector needs to move comprehensively toward net-zero carbon in a way that addresses all other aspects of sustainability.
With this aim in mind, the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) launched Aluminium Forward 2030, a coalition of IAI’s 25 production members and 20 downstream and customer companies that have committed themselves to transforming the aluminum sector. The aim is to accelerate progress toward net-zero emissions while developing a roadmap that is inclusive of all the other UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This IAI initiative flows from discussions with various players in the beverage can, automotive, electrical, transport, and construction markets. Each coalition member’s insights and experiences will be used to help aluminum producers adjust their transformation strategies to meet their sustainability needs and those of their customers. The coalition aims to protect and enhance the societal value of aluminum in all its applications.
“The world is confronting a climate crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a priority for nations and businesses,” said Miles Prosser, secretary general of the IAI. “But the race to net-zero carbon is multifaceted and needs to equally embrace other global sustainability challenges, including social inequalities, biodiversity loss, circularity, and access to fresh water. The IAI recognizes that net-zero carbon must also deliver on other sustainability issues.”
Key leaders in various aluminum sectors have already joined and endorsed the coalition, such Gränges, the aluminum rolling company, and major end-user manufacturers, including automaker Jaguar Land Rover; beverage and can producers Ball Corp., Crown Holdings, and Ardagh Metal Packaging; and cable producers Nexans — among others.
“Strong partnerships and collaboration will be essential for reaching net-zero emissions and ultimately for a sustainable future,” said Sofia Hedevåg, SVP Sustainability at Gränges. “It’s essential that our industry comes together to share insights, best practices, and help solve real challenges that are going to make a real difference. This is why we have decided to join Aluminium Forward 2030.”
Bringing together companies from various market sectors will demonstrate the power of collaborative efforts to tackle one of the most complex global challenges. It also gives members the opportunity to be part of a learning community that will transform the future of supply chains for many consuming sectors, including automotive, transportation, beverage and packaging, building, cable and electrical, and consumer goods.
“Aluminum has great short and medium term decarbonization potential with circularity and other levers,” said Ramon Arratia, global vice president and chief sustainability officer of Ball Corporation. “We look forward to working with the IAI and the Aluminium Forward 2030 coalition to accelerate the decarbonization of our sector by collaborating with the full value chain.”
John Rost, VP of Global Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs, Crown Holdings, added, “The future of our planet requires us to be active participants in making change. We cannot be bystanders. For this reason, we are proud to be a part of Aluminium Forward 2030. Sustainability is a focus of everything we do. In our own organization, we are advancing our Twentyby30 sustainability program by utilizing more renewable electricity solutions and reducing our energy consumption, as well as driving toward ambitious recycling rate targets to reduce material and resource waste. It is only through the sharing of strategies that we can do our best to minimize our carbon footprint and fight against climate change.”
Vincent Dessale, chief operating officer and senior executive vice president, echoed these sentiments. “In the fight against climate change, it is essential that our industries come together to share insights and best practices — the tools, technologies and approaches that are going to make a real difference,” he noted. “At Nexans we take steps to use as much low-carbon aluminum as possible in our product manufacturing. In addition, through our recycling solutions, the Group recovers all types of end-of-life aluminum and copper cables, thus making a positive contribution to the environment. Our customers and partners can also benefit from this cable waste recovery service. Through this coalition, we are keen to participate and collaborate with others to find out how we can continue to make progress.”
The International Aluminium Institute has also partnered with Fast Forward Zero to provide strategic guidance and ensure a wide representation of the aluminum-consuming segments. Jerome Lucaes, CEO and founder of Fast Forward Zero, noted, “With the Aluminium Forward 2030 coalition, the industry will accelerate its transformation toward a net-zero carbon, inclusive and circular reality.”
According to the IAI, the aluminum industry is the first to move toward net-zero carbon in a way that contributes to all the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For over 50 years, the aluminum industry has pioneered sustainable production and use of aluminum. The industry has collaborated on issues such as waste management, reduction of pollution, and improving health outcomes for workers, communities, and consumers.