Glencore Aluminum Recycling Stake Expands South Carolina Remelting Footprint

Aluminum Scrap

Glencore aluminum recycling exposure has expanded after the global commodities trading group acquired a 45% stake in a planned South Carolina aluminum facility. Alumicore will operate the plant and retain the remaining 55% interest.

The investment builds on Glencore’s earlier financial support for the recycling and remelting project. Those earlier investments were aimed at securing marketing rights for the plant’s future production.

Glencore aluminum recycling growth reflects rising interest in secondary aluminum supply in the US. Recycled aluminum can reduce energy intensity, support lower-carbon material demand, and improve feedstock optionality for manufacturers exposed to volatile primary aluminum markets.

Alumicore Platform Adds Recycling and Remelting Scale

The South Carolina site will become part of Alumicore’s wider recycling network. Glencore said the new plant, together with Alumicore’s operations in Monessen and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, will lift the company’s total recycling capacity to more than 120,000 t/yr.

Few details were disclosed about the planned facility near Charleston. However, the project appears focused on recycling and remelting, which are increasingly important parts of the North American aluminum value chain.

Aluminum remelting capacity gives processors a route to convert scrap into reusable material for downstream manufacturing. This is strategically relevant as automotive, packaging, construction, electrical and industrial customers look for lower-carbon aluminum inputs.

The marketing-rights element is also important. Glencore is not only taking an equity position; it is strengthening access to future metal flows from the facility. That fits the trading house’s broader strategy of combining physical assets, offtake control and scrap supply channels.

Charleston Area Becomes a Secondary Aluminum Growth Point

The deal also deepens Glencore’s footprint in South Carolina. The company previously entered a joint venture with nonferrous scrap recycler Zeb Metals in 2023 to develop an aluminum scrap and dross recycling operation around Charleston.

That earlier project and the Alumicore investment point to a regional strategy. Charleston offers logistics advantages, industrial demand access and a potential platform for collecting, processing and marketing secondary aluminum products.

Aluminum dross and scrap recycling are becoming more valuable as producers and traders try to capture more metal units from waste streams. Better recovery can reduce reliance on primary aluminum and support circular supply for domestic manufacturers.

For Glencore, the South Carolina investment strengthens its position in a market where recycled metal is becoming more strategic. For Alumicore, Glencore’s stake adds a global marketing partner with deep metals trading and supply-chain reach.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Glencore’s investment shows that aluminum recycling is becoming a strategic materials business, not only a scrap trade. Control over remelting capacity, dross recovery and marketing rights will matter more as customers seek lower-carbon aluminum supply.

US Aluminum Can Recycling Rate Edges Higher in 2023 but Falls Short of Pre-Pandemic Levels

Aluminum Can Recycling

The aluminum can recycling rate in the United States increased marginally in 2023, according to a joint report by the Aluminum Association (AA) and the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI). Consumers recycled 43% of aluminum cans in 2023, up from 42% in 2022 but still below the 46% rate achieved in 2019. In total, approximately 46 billion cans were recycled, while 61 billion were discarded — a waste equivalent to $1.2 billion in value.

Aluminum Producers and Circularity Rates

US aluminum producers recycled 57% of beverage can scrap in 2023, a slight decline from nearly 59% in 2022 but an improvement from the 56% rate in 2019. The closed-loop circularity rate, which tracks the percentage of recycled beverage containers used to produce new cans, rose significantly to 97% in 2023, up from 93% in 2021. On average, new aluminum beverage cans in the US comprised 71% recycled material, including 33% used beverage can (UBC) scrap.

Industry Goals and DRS Initiatives

The CMI has set ambitious targets to achieve a total aluminum can recycling rate of 70% by 2030, 80% by 2040, and 90% by 2050. A key strategy to meet these goals involves expanding access to deposit return systems (DRS), where consumers receive refunds for returning UBCs. Currently, states with a DRS see a recycling rate of 77%, compared to just 36% in states without such systems. The report suggests that implementing nationwide DRS coverage could boost the overall recycling rate by 48 percentage points.

Despite the promising impact of DRS programs, no specific timeline for new state or nationwide implementations has been provided. However, the AA and CMI anticipate broader adoption of DRS systems as an effective solution to reduce waste and promote sustainability in aluminum can recycling.

Spectro Alloys Broadens Aluminum Recycling Operations in Minnesota

Spectro Alloys

Minnesota-based Spectro Alloys has successfully completed a significant expansion at its Rosemount campus, enhancing its capabilities in aluminum billet production and recycling.

A Major Step in Aluminum Recycling Capacity

The newly constructed 90,000 square foot facility marks a pivotal development in Spectro's production strategy. Set to commence operations in the second half of this year, the expansion will significantly boost the company's recycling capacity by approximately 120 million pounds per year (54,431 metric tonnes).

Future Production and Impact on the Industry

Once fully operational by the first quarter of 2026, Spectro expects the facility to produce 55,000 tonnes per year of aluminum billet. This ramp-up in production underscores Spectro's commitment to increasing its footprint in the aluminum recycling market and contributing to more sustainable manufacturing practices.

CMI takes full control of Pennsylvania aluminum shredder JV to scale high-volume recycling hub

Combined Metal Industries

CMI takes full control of Pennsylvania aluminum shredder JV after signing a buyout agreement. Combined Metal Industries will purchase the remaining 50% stake in CMI Upstate. The partner is Upstate Shredding–Weitsman Recycling based in Owego. Therefore, CMI takes full control of Pennsylvania aluminum shredder JV to accelerate investment and execution.

The acquisition centers on a facility in New Castle. CMI says full control improves decision speed for capital upgrades and operational changes. Meanwhile, the site offers strong supplier access and rail and truck logistics. As a result, the project aligns with rising demand for recycled aluminum feedstock.

New Castle conversion expands aluminum scrap processing capacity

The partners formed the joint venture in February 2025. They aimed to convert the New Castle site from ferrous to aluminum scrap processing. The companies renovated the plant by upgrading the shredder and downstream systems. They also installed a pre-shredder and added new handling equipment.

Upstate Shredding said the site no longer fit its geographic footprint. Owner Adam Weitsman cited footprint alignment as the driver. However, the investments already made created a stronger platform for a new owner. Therefore, CMI takes full control of Pennsylvania aluminum shredder JV to capture the upside from the completed retrofit work.

Phased upgrades target throughput and environmental systems through 2027

CMI plans staged upgrades over the next 12 to 24 months. The company will expand throughput and accelerate material recovery. It will also add environmental systems to support compliant high-volume operations. Meanwhile, aluminum scrap markets reward consistent spec and recovery yields. As a result, equipment modernization can lift margins and customer retention.

The transaction is expected to close on 1 December. It remains subject to standard closing conditions and final consents. Therefore, operators and suppliers will watch integration timelines and capex sequencing closely.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aluminum recycling hubs win when they combine logistics access with high recovery rates. Meanwhile, pre-shredding and downstream upgrades can lift yield and reduce residue. Therefore, CMI’s execution discipline over the next 24 months will decide the hub’s market impact.

Constellium Recycles Aluminum from Aircraft for New Aerospace Use

Constellium Recycling

Constellium Advances Circular Economy in Aviation

French aluminum producer Constellium has successfully recycled aluminum scrap from retired commercial aircraft into new aerospace-grade materials. The company announced that the process produced 2024 aluminum alloy that meets strict performance standards for new plane manufacturing. This milestone strengthens efforts to build a circular economy in aviation, reducing reliance on emissions-intensive primary aluminum.

Constellium partnered with Tarmac Aerosave, an aircraft dismantling company formed by Airbus, Safran, and partners, to carry out the trial. The company now plans to scale operations and improve throughput rates, extending the recycling process to additional alloys used in aircraft construction.

Recycled Aerospace Alloys Meet Industry Demands

The 2024 aluminum alloy produced in the project is widely used in fuselage skins, wing structures, and engine nacelle coverings. Its composition includes 4.4% copper, 1.5% magnesium, and 0.6% manganese, with the balance aluminum. These properties make it essential for aerospace applications requiring strength and durability.

Historically, recycling aerospace-grade alloys posed challenges because coatings and attachments distorted the chemistry during remelting. Constellium claims its new process overcomes these barriers, making aircraft aluminum recycling technically and commercially feasible. As a result, the company’s innovation could reshape supply chains by reducing waste and lowering carbon emissions.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Constellium’s breakthrough highlights a critical step toward decarbonizing the aerospace sector. By demonstrating that high-performance alloys can be recycled without compromising quality, the company positions itself as a leader in sustainable metals innovation. Scaling this process could significantly cut emissions and create a new standard for closed-loop manufacturing in aviation.

European Aluminum CBAM Flaws Warning Highlights Competitiveness Risks

European Aluminum CBAM

European Aluminum CBAM flaws emerged as critical concerns as the industry association warned that the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism threatens bloc competitiveness ahead of tomorrow's European Parliament vote. The European Aluminum CBAM flaws assessment, conducted by Ramboll Management Consulting, identifies three fundamental design issues that could actively harm Europe's aluminum industry while providing unfair advantages to importers who avoid carbon costs across their full value chains.

Scrap Content Verification Creates Competitive Disadvantages

European Aluminum CBAM flaws include significant challenges in accurately verifying scrap content within aluminum products imported into the EU. The difficulty in verification enables importers to over-declare scrap content, avoiding carbon costs while redirecting higher scrap content products toward EU markets for financial incentives. This manipulation provides importers substantial advantages over EU producers who face carbon costs across their complete value chain operations.

Meanwhile, Ramboll recommends assigning default values to all imported primary and secondary metal to eliminate domestic disadvantages. This approach would prevent gaming of scrap content declarations while ensuring competitive parity between domestic and imported aluminum products. The current verification system's inadequacy undermines CBAM's intended purpose of leveling competitive playing fields.

Aluminum scrap

Alumina Inclusion Could Drastically Increase EU Costs

However, the study argues that adding aluminum feedstock alumina to CBAM parameters could raise EU alumina costs by 12-16% by 2030, escalating to 24% by 2034. These cost increases would severely impact European aluminum smelter competitiveness while potentially driving production offshore. Ramboll recommends excluding alumina from CBAM until comprehensive downstream sector coverage ensures balanced implementation.

Therefore, the report suggests creating dedicated emissions trading scheme benchmarks for alumina rather than incorporating it directly into CBAM mechanisms. This alternative approach would address carbon leakage concerns without imposing excessive cost burdens on European aluminum producers. The timing of alumina inclusion requires careful coordination with broader CBAM implementation phases.

Indirect Emissions Scope Expansion Presents Implementation Challenges

Furthermore, expanding CBAM beyond direct scope 1 emissions to include indirect scope 2 and 3 emissions would significantly increase CBAM fees and European aluminum costs. European producers face indirect carbon costs through electricity pricing that don't correlate with their actual emissions profiles. Third-country producers avoid equivalent carbon costs while CBAM lacks verification mechanisms for electricity-related emissions.

As a result, European Aluminum director general Paul Voss urged immediate CBAM implementation pause for aluminum until design flaws receive correction and competitiveness impacts undergo proper assessment. The association demands potential aluminum removal from CBAM scope if ongoing reviews demonstrate continued harm rather than protection. Alternative carbon leakage protection measures may require extension beyond 2030 if CBAM proves ineffective.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The European Aluminum association's CBAM critique highlights fundamental tensions between climate policy objectives and industrial competitiveness, demonstrating how well-intentioned carbon border mechanisms can inadvertently disadvantage domestic producers they aim to protect. The complexity of aluminum value chains, from alumina feedstock through scrap recycling, creates verification challenges that sophisticated importers can exploit, undermining CBAM's core premise of ensuring fair competition while driving global decarbonization.

Aluminum Dynamics Arizona Cast House Faces New Permit Challenge

Aluminum Dynamic

Aluminum Dynamics Arizona cast house development faces another potential delay after the Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency to overturn the final state air permit for the planned facility in Benson, Arizona. The challenge adds fresh uncertainty to a project designed to feed Aluminum Dynamics’ rolling mill in Columbus, Mississippi.

The environmental group argues that the permit issued by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality violates the federal Clean Air Act. It claims the permit does not adequately monitor air pollution and does not ensure compliance with toxic air pollution limits.

Aluminum Dynamics Arizona cast house construction can continue while the EPA reviews the petition because the permit remains enforceable during the deliberation period. However, the challenge could complicate the project’s timeline if the EPA accepts the petition and requires revisions.

EPA Review Could Affect Start-Up Timing

The EPA has 60 days to accept or reject the petition. If the agency grants the request, ADEQ would have 90 days from the ruling to revise the permit or permit record to meet EPA requirements.

The petition does not immediately stop construction. But the project remains in an early physical stage, with no structures built yet. Benson officials said the company has been carrying out ground-clearing work at the site.

The timing remains uncertain. Aluminum Dynamics, a subsidiary of Steel Dynamics, had previously indicated that it expected the facility to be ready by September or October after ADEQ proposed the final permit in mid-December. But when the company first came to Benson, it told local officials that construction would take at least 18 months.

The planned plant would have 150,000 t/yr of production capacity. It is intended to produce aluminum slab for the company’s downstream rolling operations, supporting beverage-can sheet production at the Columbus, Mississippi, mill.

Local Opposition Highlights Industrial Permitting Risk

Aluminum Dynamics Arizona cast house plans have already faced community resistance. The company moved the project to Benson after earlier opposition in Gila Bend, where residents raised concerns over water use, air pollution and odor.

Similar concerns have emerged in Benson. A local nonprofit, Health Over Wealth Benson, sued the city and Aluminum Dynamics after accusing the planning and zoning commission of exceeding its authority when it approved a conditional-use permit allowing the company to exceed the city’s 30ft building height limit.

That lawsuit was dismissed on 25 March after a Cochise County Superior Court judge found that the complainants lacked standing. However, the group has indicated it plans to appeal and also supported the Center for Biological Diversity’s EPA petition.

The dispute shows that aluminum recycling and cast house projects face more than commercial and technical hurdles. Even facilities tied to circular aluminum supply chains must manage local concerns over emissions, water, odor, traffic and land use.

For the US aluminum market, the project remains strategically relevant. The Benson site is located to draw used beverage can supply from the US west coast and Mexico, giving Aluminum Dynamics a potential feedstock advantage for recycled-content can sheet.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The ADI permit challenge shows that secondary aluminum growth still depends on local environmental acceptance. Recycled aluminum capacity may support lower-carbon supply chains, but permitting risk can still slow projects if communities question emissions, water use or industrial impacts.

Aluminz aluminum tolling plant to boost US recycling capacity in Texas

Aluminz

Aluminz aluminum tolling plant will open in Texas to expand closed-loop recycling. The Aluminz aluminum tolling plant targets mid-to-late 2027 startup with 140,000 t/yr capacity. As a result, the Aluminz aluminum tolling plant aims to cut waste and customer emissions.

Capacity, location, and process flow

Aluminz will build in Mount Pleasant, Texas, near major rail lines. The site spans 220,000 ft² on a 155-acre lot. The plant will use two tilting rotary furnaces and one reverberatory furnace. A cast house will produce alloy sows for revert services. The project cost exceeds $50mn, mostly via municipal bonds. Permitting is underway ahead of construction this fall.

Target feedstock, yield gains, and by-product strategy

Aluminz will toll white and black dross and turnings scrap. White dross contains 15–70% aluminum; black dross averages 12–18%. The company plans to lift yields from painted, anodized, or oily turnings. It estimates diverting about 60,000 t/yr of aluminum waste from landfills. Saltcake will be processed into reusable salt flux and aluminum oxides. Cement makers and other industries could use the oxides.

Aluminz sees an underserved US market for dross and turnings. Domestic primary aluminum still relies on imports. The US also imported 660,000 t of scrap in 2024. Therefore, added tolling capacity should strengthen regional supply chains. Customers will sign LOIs now and finalize contracts at startup.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This project tightens a weak link in North American aluminum circularity. Furnace choice, saltcake valorization, and rail access support competitive costs. If execution holds, Aluminz could set a template for dross-to-alloy recovery at scale.

Novelis, TSR Forge 3-Year Partnership for Aluminum Scrap Supply in Push for Low-Carbon Future

TSR Recycling

In a pivotal move toward sustainability, US-based aluminum manufacturer and recycler Novelis has announced a three-year agreement with European scrap processing leader TSR Recycling. This strategic partnership will secure a stable supply of approximately 75,000 metric tons of end-of-life, pre-sorted, and processed aluminum scrap annually, supporting Novelis’ mission to deliver low-carbon aluminum sheet for automotive applications.

With Novelis recycling around 700,000 metric tons of aluminum scrap in Europe last year, the company aims to expand this figure by an additional 50,000 metric tons, boosting its green production capacity. TSR Recycling, well-versed in the processing of both ferrous and non-ferrous scrap, has long collaborated with Novelis, and this agreement further solidifies their shared commitment to a sustainable, low-emission future for the metals industry.

A Rising Demand for Recycled Material

The agreement reflects an intensifying demand for recycled aluminum as part of the global shift toward sustainable feedstock in metal production. Aluminum producers, increasingly pressured to lower scope 2 emissions, are prioritizing materials with high recycled content. Novelis has taken a proactive approach, working closely with automotive clients to integrate both pre- and post-consumer scrap into its high-recycled-content aluminum alloys. "Availability of end-of-life material is crucial as Novelis is constantly developing innovative solutions with its automotive customers," the company stated, highlighting the importance of a reliable scrap supply to support greener, circular manufacturing.

This partnership positions Novelis and TSR at the forefront of an industry shift where sustainability isn't just a strategy but a growing imperative driven by regulatory changes, consumer expectations, and an accelerating demand for low-emission products in the automotive sector.

Schupan taps Kronsbein to head beverage container recycling unit

Schupan

Schupan beverage container recycling leadership is shifting to Nick Kronsbein. Schupan beverage container recycling leadership will now sit with Kronsbein after his promotion took effect on 19 December. As a result, he will steer day-to-day execution across key Midwest processing assets.

Kronsbein will oversee Schupan’s processing facilities in Michigan and Iowa. He will also manage customer relationships with wholesalers and distributors. Meanwhile, Tom Emmerich will remain in place as Schupan’s chief operating officer.

What the leadership change means for operations in Michigan and Iowa

Schupan beverage container recycling leadership matters because deposit programs demand tight logistics. Kronsbein previously led UBCR, Schupan’s logistics arm, as vice president and general manager. Therefore, he brings a workflow-first lens to inbound collection, sorting cadence, and outbound shipment timing.

The promotion also supports continuity inside the executive team. Kronsbein served as vice president of the recycling business unit since 2021. However, the new role increases accountability for uptime, quality control, and customer service performance.

Why deposit-based recycling strengthens aluminum circularity

Deposit programs supply cleaner feedstock than curbside streams. Schupan’s unit processes aluminum, glass, and plastic collected through Michigan and Iowa bottle deposit systems. Meanwhile, the facilities provide separation, crushing, shredding, and baling services that ready material for downstream remelt and reprocessing.

Aluminum beverage container scrap remains strategic for US recyclers. Cleaner UBC flows improve yield and reduce dross losses at secondary smelters. As a result, deposit-sourced aluminum helps brands and mills meet recycled-content targets with lower quality risk.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This appointment looks like an execution upgrade, not a symbolic move. However, the next step is securing stable offtake terms as recycled-content mandates tighten. Leaders who align logistics, quality, and contracts will win margin in UBC recycling.

Solarcycle Georgia Recycling Plant Strengthens the US Solar Materials Loop

Solarcycle

The Solarcycle Georgia recycling plant marks an important step in building a domestic solar materials loop. Solarcycle has started operations at its new facility in Cedartown, Georgia. The site uses upgraded technology that more than doubles throughput versus earlier systems. As a result, the Solarcycle Georgia recycling plant could become a meaningful part of the US clean energy supply chain.

This project matters because solar waste is becoming a larger industrial issue. More end-of-life panels now need recovery rather than disposal. Solarcycle said the process diverts all material from landfill and recovers about 96pc of panel value. Therefore, the Solarcycle Georgia recycling plant is not just a waste solution. It is also a materials recovery platform.

The recovered materials also carry real industrial value. Silver, copper, aluminum, and glass are all embedded in used solar panels. These inputs matter for manufacturing economics and supply resilience. Consequently, solar panel recycling is becoming more relevant to both sustainability and domestic sourcing.

Solar Panel Recycling Is Moving Toward Industrial Scale

Solar panel recycling is shifting from niche activity toward industrial infrastructure. The Cedartown facility is already processing thousands of panels each week. Solarcycle expects that figure to rise to 1mn panels annually by the end of 2026. As a result, the company is building capacity for scale rather than demonstration.

Full capacity makes the project even more significant. The plant can process up to 5 GW per year of solar panels. That level of throughput places the facility among the more serious recycling assets in the US solar chain. Therefore, the Solarcycle Georgia recycling plant could influence how the market thinks about end-of-life solar economics.

The technology angle also matters. Higher throughput and full landfill diversion improve the commercial case for recycling. Better material recovery can support stronger margins and more stable downstream reuse. Meanwhile, it gives developers and manufacturers a clearer pathway for circularity.

Recycled Solar Glass Could Deepen US Solar Materials Capacity

Recycled solar glass is the next major part of Solarcycle’s strategy. The recycling facility sits next to the company’s planned solar glass manufacturing plant. That plant is expected to break ground in mid-2026 and begin producing glass in 2028. Consequently, Solarcycle is linking recycling directly to new manufacturing capacity.

This integrated model matters for the broader US solar sector. Domestic manufacturing has become more important as buyers seek local supply and policy support favors US production. Solarcycle said it has already secured customer commitments for more than 80pc of the future glass plant’s planned 5 GW capacity. Therefore, demand for recycled and US-made solar materials appears to be strengthening.

The business model also shows a wider industrial trend. Recycling is no longer just about compliance or waste reduction. It is becoming a feedstock strategy for new manufacturing. As a result, the Solarcycle Georgia recycling plant may prove more important as the front end of a circular materials chain than as a stand-alone recycling site.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This project stands out because it connects recycling scale with future manufacturing capacity. Solarcycle is not simply collecting old panels. It is building a domestic solar materials loop that could matter more as US clean energy deployment accelerates.

Fagor Ederlan Expands with Majority Stake in US Aluminum Producer

Fagor Ederlan

Strategic Move into Secondary Aluminum

Spanish automotive component producer Fagor Ederlan has acquired 51pc of US-based Regen Aluminum, strengthening its presence in North America. The acquisition aligns with Fagor’s sustainability strategy while boosting service capabilities for automotive and industrial customers across the region. As part of the deal, Regen Aluminum will be renamed Fagor Regen Aluminum, reflecting its integration into the parent group.

Regen Aluminum specializes in producing recycled aluminum ingots for automotive, aerospace, and electrical applications. The company has an annual production capacity of 5mn ingots, offering a reliable supply of low-carbon materials to customers. By leveraging Regen’s expertise, Fagor Ederlan enhances its ability to deliver sustainable solutions within the global aluminum supply chain.

Secondary Aluminum’s Role in Sustainability

The production of secondary aluminum significantly reduces carbon emissions, cutting the footprint by more than 90pc compared with primary aluminum. Therefore, this acquisition positions Fagor Ederlan as a stronger player in sustainable metals, a key priority for industries navigating decarbonization goals.

Fagor already operates facilities in Europe, China, and the Americas, and this move reinforces its global strategy. While financial details were not disclosed, the deal highlights the increasing strategic importance of secondary aluminum in global supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Fagor’s acquisition of Regen Aluminum underscores a growing trend: automakers and component producers are moving upstream into recycling to secure sustainable supply. As secondary aluminum gains traction, this deal signals how European firms are positioning to meet both regulatory and market-driven decarbonization demands in North America.

Steel Dynamics Begins Aluminum Production at Columbus Facility

Steel Dynamics

New Plant to Boost Flat-Rolled Aluminum Output

Steel Dynamics (SDI), a leading electric arc furnace steelmaker and recycler, successfully cast its first industrial and beverage can ingots at its newly launched aluminum facility in Columbus, Mississippi, on January 12. Operating under the Aluminum Dynamics brand, SDI aims to produce 650,000 metric tonnes of flat-rolled aluminum annually, supporting the beverage, automotive, and common alloy markets.

Production Capacity and Recycling Strategy

Starting in June, 45% of SDI’s aluminum output will go toward can sheet production, 35% will serve the automotive industry, and 20% will be used for common alloy applications. By the end of 2025, the facility expects to operate at 50% utilization, ramping up to 75% through 2026.

To meet demand, SDI will rely on 900,000 tonnes of recycled aluminum slabs. The Columbus site will supply 70% of these materials, while two satellite slab centers in Mexico and Arizona will contribute the remaining 30%. The Mexico facility is set to launch in the first quarter of 2025, followed by Arizona later in the year.

Nonferrous Recycling Trends

Despite the expansion, SDI’s nonferrous recycling shipments saw a slight decline in 2024. Shipments fell to 965 million lbs from 970 million lbs in 2023, with fourth-quarter volumes dropping to 226 million lbs from 234 million lbs a year earlier. However, the new aluminum operations are expected to strengthen the company’s position in the recycled metals market.

Gränges Boosts Aluminum Sales in 2024 with Strong Eurasia Growth and Recycling Gains

Gränges

Shandong Facility Acquisition and Increased Recycling Drive Volume and Profit Gains

Gränges, the Swedish aluminum rolling and recycling company, increased its aluminum sales by 9% in 2024 compared to 2023. The company delivered 505,800 metric tonnes (t) of aluminum products in 2024, up from 463,200t the previous year, driven mainly by performance in its Eurasia sector.

Gränges raised sales in the Eurasia region by 30,500t, reaching 294,800t in 2024. This growth followed its October acquisition and rapid ramp-up of an aluminum rolling facility in Shandong, China. The plant has an annual capacity of 160,000t for aluminum coil and plate, and contributed 14,400t to Gränges' fourth-quarter volumes in Eurasia, reaching 79,800t for the period.

Americas See Modest Gains, But Automotive Lags

In the Americas, sales volumes also increased, rising by 9,600t to 229,800t. Growth was supported by stronger consumer demand, though the automotive sector remained a weak point. Gränges expects mid-single-digit sales growth in the first quarter of 2025, despite anticipating flat demand overall.

Recycled Aluminum Share Rises with Higher Profitability

Gränges continues to increase its use of recycled aluminum, aligning with global sustainability goals. In the fourth quarter, the company lifted its recycled content to 45.4%, up from 43.6% a year earlier. For the full year, it reached 46.2%, compared to 41.6% in 2023.

Financially, the company posted a strong finish to 2024. Fourth-quarter revenue climbed 24.5% year over year to SEK 6.2 billion ($557 million), while profit surged by 63% to SEK 165 million. These figures reflect both operational efficiency and the success of its strategic investments.

Brazil Aluminum Unit Upgrade Gains State Backing Through Bndes Loan

cba

Brazil aluminum unit upgrade is moving forward with new state-backed financing. Brazil’s development bank Bndes will provide R715.9mn to support modernization at Companhia Brasileira de Aluminio. The funding is aimed at improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact. As a result, Brazil aluminum unit upgrade has become a significant industrial investment in the country’s metals sector.

This move matters because CBA operates a fully integrated aluminum chain. Its business covers bauxite mining, alumina refining, primary smelting, processing, recycling, and associated power supply. That gives the Brazil aluminum unit upgrade wider importance than a single plant improvement. Therefore, the investment could strengthen both cost competitiveness and sustainability across a broader industrial platform.

CBA Modernization Targets Efficiency and Resource Reuse

CBA modernization will focus mainly on the company’s factory in Alumínio city in São Paulo state. The project will modernize equipment and expand the reuse of feedstocks and natural resources such as water. That suggests a stronger focus on operational efficiency and environmental performance. As a result, CBA modernization aligns with the growing pressure on aluminum producers to cut waste and improve resource intensity.

The financing also includes a logistics component. Part of the funding will modernize a logistics asset in Santa Isabel in Goiás state. That site manages bauxite supply to the wider business. Therefore, the Brazil aluminum unit upgrade is not limited to plant equipment alone. It also addresses upstream supply efficiency.

Bndes Aluminum Loan Arrives During a Broader Ownership Shift

Bndes aluminum loan support also comes at an important moment for CBA’s ownership structure. Earlier this year, Chalco and Rio Tinto formed a joint venture in Brazil to acquire a controlling stake in the company. Votorantim agreed to sell 69pc of its issued shares for nearly R4.7bn. However, the transaction still requires regulatory and antitrust approval.

That context makes the investment more strategic. A modernized and more efficient CBA could become a stronger industrial asset during a period of ownership transition. Meanwhile, its exposure to packaging, automotive, and export markets means the benefits may reach well beyond one facility. Consequently, Brazil aluminum unit upgrade could support both industrial resilience and future competitiveness.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This investment matters because it supports efficiency, logistics, and environmental performance at the same time. The bigger signal is that Brazil still sees aluminum as a strategic industrial chain worth upgrading. If the ownership transition also proceeds smoothly, CBA could emerge as a more competitive and better-positioned player in the regional aluminum market.

Ecovery Expands Aluminum Recycling Capacity with New Furnace

Ecovery

Nonferrous metal recycling firm Ecovery has officially started commissioning its new secondary aluminum recycling furnace at its facility near Mobile, Alabama. This state-of-the-art rotary furnace has a capacity of 60,000 pounds and is located alongside Ecovery's existing rotary furnace, which was built in 2015, and its aluminum x-ray sorting line, completed earlier in 2024. According to CEO Brock Norris, Ecovery plans to construct a third furnace in the same Alabama facility, expected to be completed by 2026 or 2027.

Metal Source Acquires Imperial Aluminum Facility in Alabama

Metal Source, a subsidiary of Indiana-based Gebhart Holdings, has acquired Imperial Group's aluminum facility in Scottsboro, Alabama, effective August 1. This marks Metal Source's first operation outside of Indiana.

The Scottsboro facility is equipped with two rotary furnaces and a reverberatory furnace, producing sow, ingot, and deox cone. This acquisition significantly enhances Metal Source's recycling capabilities, allowing it to process over 100 million pounds of scrap aluminum per year and manufacture aluminum alloys, zinc alloys, and aluminum deox cone.

Imperial Aluminum, known for manufacturing aluminum alloys and offering tolling services for aluminum scrap, will see its assets integrated into Metal Source's operations. This strategic expansion follows Gebhart Holdings' acquisitions of Bedford Recycling's facilities in Bedford and Mitchell, Indiana earlier in 2023.

Ben Gebhart, CEO of Gebhart Holdings, stated, "This acquisition allows our company to better serve our customers in the South while expanding our customer base and product capabilities."

Metal Source now operates three aluminum melting locations, two in Indiana and one in Alabama, along with five scrap yards in Indiana. The company has filed for an operating permit for the Scottsboro location but has not yet announced the start date for operations or expected production volumes.

BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry signals Asia’s circular shift

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

The BIR(Bureau of International Recycling) Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry gathered global stakeholders across the value chain. The forum covered ferrous, non-ferrous, and specialty metals in depth. The BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry highlighted circular economy execution, not slogans. Therefore, participants focused on infrastructure, technology, and market standards. Meanwhile, BIR’s scale—1.5 million professionals and USD 160 billion—framed the agenda.

The BIR Conference Bangkok Recycling Industry underscored Asia-Pacific’s accelerating demand. Hosting in Bangkok reflected trade gravity tilting toward Asian hubs. As a result, discussions centered on capacity build-out and logistics reliability. Attendees examined traceability, quality assurance, and ESG disclosure. Moreover, members emphasized data for financing and cross-border compliance.

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

Ferrous and non-ferrous flows anchor the circular backbone

Ferrous scrap now supplies over 30% of global steel output. EAF adoption increases scrap intensity and resilience. Therefore, ferrous scrap became a strategic raw material. Asia remains the largest import market for ferrous scrap. Korea, Japan, and Taiwan anchor steady tonnage. However, India’s fast-rising demand drew strong attention this year.

Non-ferrous recycling accelerates stainless steel’s circular economy. Over 70% of stainless production uses recycled feedstock today. Consequently, 300-series stainless scrap commands a nickel-driven premium. Copper, aluminum, and zinc recycling rates keep climbing. Meanwhile, EV batteries and e-waste create new metal pools. Processors target dismantling, black-mass recovery, and closed-loop contracts. As a result, service models expand beyond commodity trading.

2025 BIR(Bureau of International Recycling)

Specialty metals scale: Titanium and Nickel Superalloys

Specialty metals advanced from niche to priority. Titanium scrap offsets costly primary sponge and ingot. Proper sorting enables aircraft, reactor, and implant routes. Clean grades often trade at several thousand dollars per ton. Therefore, certification and segregation matter for aerospace and medical uses.

Nickel-based superalloy scrap rose with aerospace growth. Inconel and Hastelloy streams typically exceed 50% nickel. Refiners upgrade these into new superalloy melts. Moreover, chromium, molybdenum, and cobalt increase strategic value. As a result, secure collection and refining capacity became focal. Asia is emerging as the center for scale and skills.

The Metalnomist Commentary

BIR Bangkok confirmed recycling as core supply-chain strategy. Expect capital to target high-purity sorting, verified traceability, and melt capacity. Asian hubs that certify quality fastest will capture premium flows.

Hydro Expands Production and Recycling with New Extrusion Press at Cressona Facility

Hydro

Aluminum giant Norsk Hydro has commissioned a new 3,000-metric-ton (t) indirect extrusion press at its Cressona, Pennsylvania, facility, marking a significant step in the site’s modernization and expansion efforts. The new 12-inch press will replace two older 2,900t presses, which are set to be decommissioned. This update aligns with Hydro's goal of enhancing efficiency and sustainability across its production operations.

Recycling Expansion: A Focus on Post-Consumer Aluminum

Alongside the new press installation, Hydro is expanding its recycling capacity at the Cressona plant by 50,000t per year. This boost will significantly increase the facility's ability to process post-consumer aluminum scrap, which will grow by 30,000t per year to reach a total of 64,000t annually. Once the upgrades are complete, the site will have a combined recycling capacity of 247,000t per year, making it a leader in sustainable aluminum production.

The Cressona facility, the largest extrusion plant in North America, produces 6XXX series aluminum alloy profiles and has casting capabilities that cater to transportation and industrial sectors. Initial estimates put the casting capacity of the site at around 51,710t per year, underscoring Hydro's role as a key player in providing lightweight and durable materials for various end markets.

The expansion aligns with the company's broader strategy to support a circular economy and reduce carbon emissions. Initial plans for the capacity boost were announced in 2022, with completion expected by late 2024.

EGA to Acquire Majority Stake in US-based Spectro Alloys, Expanding Into Secondary Aluminum Market

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the UAE's primary aluminum producer, is set to acquire an 80% stake in Spectro Alloys, a Minnesota-based secondary aluminum smelter. This move marks a strategic expansion into the U.S. market, bolstering EGA’s presence in a region that accounted for over a quarter of its global aluminum sales in 2023, equating to 550,000 metric tonnes.

The acquisition of Spectro Alloys will significantly enhance EGA's capabilities in the secondary aluminum sector, which involves the production of aluminum primarily from recycled scrap. This market is poised for substantial growth, with estimates suggesting that recycled aluminum will drive 60% of global aluminum supply growth by 2030, increasing to 70% between 2030 and 2040.

This latest acquisition aligns with EGA’s broader strategy to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable aluminum. In May, EGA acquired German specialty foundry Leichtmetall, which has an annual production capacity of 30,000 tonnes. Additionally, EGA is constructing a recycling plant in the UAE, set to produce 170,000 tonnes of aluminum billets annually from both pre- and post-consumer scrap.

Spectro Alloys, with its current production capacity of 110,000 tonnes of aluminum ingots per year, is also expanding. The company began construction in March on an expansion project that will add 55,000 tonnes of billet production capacity in its first phase.

The transaction, pending regulatory approval, is expected to be finalized this quarter. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.