How consultation feedback is shaping the next ASI Standards
In our recent Standards Revision webinar, we shared the outcomes of the first public consultation and explored how the feedback is informing discussions on the Performance Standard V4 and Chain of Custody Standard V3.
28 September 2026
Since the consultation closed, the ASI Standards Committee and seven thematic Working Groups have been reviewing the feedback and testing proposed changes for impact, clarity and feasibility. A key direction emerging from this work is to refocus criteria adjustments/additions on areas where they can drive meaningful impact, while seeking to reduce complexity or burden where warranted.
A more focused approach to climate
Climate was the area that received the most comments – and some of the most ‘energetic’ input – during the consultation. In response, the draft climate section has been substantially reworked and shortened. The current direction centres requirements around three areas: climate disclosures, climate transition planning and climate transition performance, with differentiated performance expectations reflecting different activities and contexts across the aluminium value chain.
Rethinking leading practice
There was broad support for recognising performance that goes beyond the core requirements for ASI Certification, but less support for the proposed approach of requiring Entities to meet 70% of identified leading practices before making a leading practice claim.
The approach now under discussion is more flexible and transparent. Rather than applying a single threshold, independently verified leading practices could be recognised through an Entity’s certification or audit reporting. The number of leading practices is also being reduced and refined, with the intention that those retained represent genuinely ambitious performance beyond the core Standard.
Streamlining without reducing impact
Feedback also highlighted the balance between the ambition of the Standards and the effort required to implement and audit them. Across the Performance Standard, requirements are being reviewed to identify where they can be consolidated or simplified without weakening their intended outcomes.
A more focused Chain of Custody Standard
For the Chain of Custody Standard, respondents broadly supported the move towards a shorter, more focused Standard centred on its core material accounting function. Discussions are continuing on the future of ASI’s mass balance model, including whether changes should be made to the current group-level approach and how tighter sourcing requirements might work in practice.
Other areas of ongoing discussion include stronger approaches to community impacts, human rights due diligence and mine closure and rehabilitation, as well as opportunities to reduce unnecessary audit burden and recognise appropriate existing certification or regulatory frameworks.
These directions are not yet final. They represent the latest stage of an iterative revision process, and the next drafts will continue to evolve through the Standards Committee and Working Groups. A second public consultation is planned for early 2027, providing another opportunity for stakeholders to review the proposed changes and help shape the final Standards.
The consultation feedback summary and ASI’s responses provide a more detailed look at what we heard, what changes are under consideration and the issues where discussions are continuing.
More details on the 1st Consultation feedback and responses
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