2024’s aluminium business has been all about making leaps towards sustainability, hat tip to the efforts of visionary brands committed to shaping a greener future. Here’s a roundup of some of the top contributions that are helping to redefine the industry:
ICMM’s Framework for Scope 3 Emission Reduction
The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has introduced a comprehensive framework this year to help mining and metals companies tackle the daunting challenge of Scope 3 emissions. This guidance is a first-of-its-kind, tailored to the unique demands of the industry. Drawing from regulatory frameworks in the EU, US, UK, Canada, and Australia, alongside the UN’s High-Level Expert Group on Net Zero Commitments, ICMM’s framework empowers businesses to set actionable short, medium, and long-term targets.
Hydro X Mercedes-Benz Launch’ Corridor’ Programme
Two giants, Norsk Hydro and Mercedes-Benz, have teamed up to create the ‘Corridor’ programme, a transformative initiative unveiled at Climate Week 2024 in New York. Focussed on driving positive social and environmental impacts in the Brazilian Amazon, this programme brings together Brazilian NGOs IPAM, Imazon, and CEA, along with Boston Consulting Group and other partners. Their shared goals include safeguarding human rights, improving local livelihoods, restoring natural ecosystems, and establishing low-carbon value chains.
Masdar and EGA Collaborate to Propel Decarbonisation
The dynamic partnership between Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy pioneer, and Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium, is a game-changer for decarbonisation. On April 17, 2024, the two entities signed an accord to drive low-carbon aluminium growth and decarbonise the industry’s energy-intensive operations using renewable energy. This collaboration, backed by UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, exemplifies how cross-industry alliances can accelerate the shift to sustainability.
Apple and Tsinghua University Push Recycling Study Forward
Apple’s collaboration with Tsinghua University on the ‘Carbon Neutral Capacity Improvement Project‘ set new standards in recycling research in 2024. Since its inception in 2022, this project has empowered students to explore carbon-neutral concepts through practical study. This year, the students focused on optimising the carbon footprint of recycled aluminium, enhancing energy efficiency through digitalisation, and developing waste-free supply chains.
Nissan Motors’ Low CO2 Aluminium Parts
Nissan has taken bold steps to integrate low CO2 emission aluminium parts into its vehicles, starting in the fiscal year 2024. Aluminium accounts for 10 per cent of a vehicle’s weight, making this initiative a significant move towards reducing emissions. By partnering with suppliers like Kobe Steel and UACJ Corporation, Nissan has made sure that its aluminium sheets and components come from green or recycled sources. Read more…
The aluminium industry’s journey towards sustainability in 2024 is nothing short of inspiring. These initiatives have made it clear that the collective efforts of leading brands and their relentless commitment to a greener, more sustainable future are the result of such pioneering measures. Here’s to a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand!