Aluminium show | The Low-Carbon Drive towards Sustainable Transformation in the Global Aluminum Industry

The global aluminum industry is undergoing a transformation towards low-carbon sustainability.

Currently, over 75% of countries are committed to achieving net-zero emissions, including major economies such as China, the United States, and the European Union. More and more countries, cities, companies, and organizations are pledging to reduce carbon emissions and have set ambitious goals for achieving net-zero emissions. This collective commitment covers 88% of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the global determination to address the climate crisis.

However, according to the Global Energy Transition Outlook report, out of more than 50 components of the global energy system, only three align with the net-zero scenario for 2050, including photovoltaic power generation, electric vehicles, and lighting. Despite rapid progress in clean energy, many components have not fully transitioned to a sustainable track on a global scale.

In the pursuit of a sustainable future, there is increasing focus on the transformative industries of solar energy and electric vehicles. According to the Aluminum Show, these two markets are expected to add 14 million tons of aluminum demand in the next decade. It was also mentioned that global aluminium demand is expected to grow by 28 million tons between 2022 and 2032. Solar energy and electric vehicles are set to contribute over 50% of the incremental demand.

Continuous progress towards decarbonization across the entire supply chain is most evident in the automotive industry, with over 20% of the global automotive industry committing to supply chain carbon neutrality by 2040. This commitment implies that over 25 million vehicles will use products with significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, in the construction industry, companies are actively pursuing the integration of green building standards. Several major real estate developers have stated their goals to reduce emissions within their scope by at least 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, with aluminium playing a key role in these innovative technological solutions. Additionally, in the consumer goods sector, aluminum is increasingly favoured due to its recyclability and sustainability advantages as the preferred environmentally friendly material.

Industries leading the way in the sustainable development agenda, such as packaging, consumer goods, and the automotive sector, are also driving aluminium consumption. It is projected that low-carbon aluminum demand will surge in the next 5-10 years, and the low-carbon aluminum market will continue to grow.