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ASI News - December 2023

In this edition:

Reflections on our progress in 2023 

In 2023, ASI made significant strides, working with more stakeholders across the aluminium value chain and continuing to collaboratively foster responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium.

To complement and support the ASI Certification program as a vehicle for change, we develop and support learning, tools, research, First Nations participation and capacity-building, and engagement and alignment. We are also strengthening our work on our next-generation digital ecosystem. While progress is evident, the urgent need for sustainability-driven change persists, especially in tackling climate, circularity, nature, and human rights challenges. 

Read Dr. Fiona Solomon's reflections on our progress in 2023
 

Governance of ASI’s standards system: Key principles and practices 

ASI is strongly committed to involving stakeholders and rightsholders in our multi-stakeholder governance and as part of independent assurance processes. Transparency in our work and actions is key.

A review in 2022 by BGR (the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources) articulates and applies clear and consistent criteria for governance, and found ASI had the highest overall rating for governance out of all programs reviewed (Sustainability Systems for Mineral Resources, Section 3.2, Table 2, 3 & 4, pp 15-17).

In response to another recent scheme review that appears to have omitted to properly consider our approach, we set out ASI’s key principles and practices that demonstrate our commitment to diverse representation, stakeholder engagement, and transparency under six key elements:

  1. Composition of stakeholders in corporate and standards governance
  2. Access and participation in standards setting
  3. Involving affected parties in ASI audits
  4. Incorporating learning in revision processes
  5. ISEAL membership
  6. What we’re working on in 2024

Read the full article 

ASI's four sustainability priorities: 2023 highlights 

Over the course of the past year, we have continued to advance on our work related to ASI's four sustainability priorities. Below, we have compiled several highlights of our news and webinar content from 2023 related to Climate change, Circularity, Nature positive and Human rights.

Each section has an article or webinar that details ASI's approach to that particular issue. If you missed these during the year, this is an opportunity to review, get informed, and find inspiration to get involved. Our Working Groups continue to move the agenda forward in these priority areas, so if you are interested by one (or more) of these themes and are keen to participate, get in touch

Climate change

Circularity

Nature positive

Human rights

New Independent Director joins ASI Board 

ASI is delighted to announce that Raj Aseervatham joined the ASI Board as an Independent Director on 1 December 2023 for an initial term of 2 years.

Raj is an experienced Director, has published two books on organisational leadership and has a background in mining, energy, and ESG consulting and audit/assurance internationally.

After 5 years on the Board of Engineers Australia, a for-purpose corporation instigated by Royal Charter with 120,000 members, he becomes its National President and Board Chair from January 2023. He also serves on the Board of Planet Ark, a not-for-profit advocating for collective action on climate and circular economy. He is based in Brisbane, Australia.

ASI sincerely thanks Anita Roper for her contributions as an Independent Director from 2019 to 2023, including two years as Board Chair. Through her tenure, the Board has overseen a major Standards Revision launched in 2022, Constitution updates in 2019 and 2023, managing through the Covid period, numerous updates to ASI policies and procedures, and the deepening Board strategy work. We greatly appreciate her contributions to ASI’s governance and wish her all the best.


Read more about the ASI Board 

New book published on industrial history of aluminium

ASI's role in supporting the development of a responsible aluminium industry is referenced in a new book titled Soil to Foil: Aluminum and the Quest for Industrial Sustainability that was launched by the author Professor Saleem H. Ali at an event at Harvard University.

The book explores the role of aluminium in the histories of scientific inquiry and technological innovation as well as its importance to sustainability. It offers compelling portraits of the scientists and innovators who discovered new uses for this remarkable element, ranging from chemistry and geoscience to engineering and industrial design. Professor Ali, who is a member of the United Nations International Resource Panel, also profiled the work of ASI in the manuscript which is written for a broad general audience.

Watch the video recording of the launch on YouTube.
 

Register Now: CRU World Aluminium Conference 2024

The 30th World Aluminium Conference will be held over three days, from May 14-16, 2024 at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. ASI will be co-hosting the event, alongside the International Aluminium Institute.

The conference brings together professionals from across the aluminium supply chain, including from the primary, secondary, extruded, rolled products, end use, trading and financial sectors.

ASI will be leading and participating in several sessions during the 3-day event, including the Keynote session - Industry challenges - multi-issue, multi-stakeholder and whole value chain with Dr. Fiona Solomon and GHG emissions – methods, guidance, tools, and future alignment with Chris Bayliss, as well as a deep-dive workshop on ASI's Entity-level GHG 1.5C aligned Method.


Registrations are now open. Information on early-bird prices is found on the event website.

Date: 14-16 May 2024

Register now! 

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ASI CERTIFICATION NEWS

In December, ASI Members achieved 13 new certifications, with several more in the announcement pipeline. 

  1. V Global Manufacturing Limited has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for the production of aluminium alloy building profiles, industrial aluminium alloy extrusion profiles, aluminium alloy doors and windows, and curtain wall components at its facility in Dehua County, Fujian Province, China. Consult the media release.
     
  2. OTTO FUCHS KG has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) with a focus on Material Stewardship (Transitional) for its facility located in Meinerzhagen, Germany and Chain of Custody Standard V1 (2017) Certification for Department B9 Extrusions, located within the facility. Consult the media release.
     
  3. Novelis has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) Certification at three of its North American production facilities in Kentucky and New York, USA and Ontario, Canada. Consult the media release.
     
  4. Shandong Yuhang Special Alloy Equipment Co., Ltd has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) Certification for its facility located in Zouping, China. Consult the media release.
     
  5. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for the production of chemical aluminium hydroxide, chemical alumina, high purity alumina and high purity aluminium at its Ehime Works facility in Niihama City, Japan. Consult the media release.
     
  6. Cervejaria Masterpiece has achieved ASI Performance Standard V3 (2022) with Provisional status and Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard V2 (2022) Certification for the manufacture of aluminium beverage cans at its facility in Niterói, Brazil. Consult the media release.
     
  7. Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinée (CBG) has achieved ASI Performance Standard V2 (2017) with Provisional status for its operations located in Boké Prefecture, Guinea, including bauxite mining near Sangarédi, port operations for bauxite export at Kamsar, rail operations and a biodiversity offset site. Consult the media release.
Consult our certified members page for a full overview of certified members, or the certification map to see where certified facilities are located. 

ASI MEMBERSHIP NEWS 

In December, ASI welcomed two new Production & Transformation members and two Industrial User members bringing the total number of ASI members to 327.

Read more about our new members below, and for more information about ASI membership, please visit the Join ASI page on our website! 

Cromodora Wheels

Cromodora Wheels operates as a prominent manufacturer within the European Union market, specializing in the production of light alloy wheels for passenger cars. The company oversees the entire production process, commencing with engineering, progressing through tooling manufacturing, and culminating in the production of finished components from alloy ingots... Read more.

"In its dedication to sustainability, Cromodora Wheels would align itself with the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, marking a pivotal stride in the company's pursuit of environmental improvement."

– Nemanja Kovacevic, ESG Manager

Find more information on Cromodora Wheels on their ASI Member page in the Industrial Users Class.

Ciclo Fapril - Indústrias Metalúrgicas, S.A.

Ciclo Fapril, S.A., at Alufap by CF, is an innovative company in Portugal in the production of multi-product aluminium components. Founded in 1965, Ciclo Fapril stands out in the production of components for the most diverse sectors: automotive, two wheel, Medical Care, sports, and renewable energies... Read more.

"We want to ensure that our excellence extends from the quality of our products to the impact we have on society and the environment."

– Vital Almeida, CEO

Find more information on Ciclo Fapril - Indústrias Metalúrgicas, S.A. on their ASI Member page in the Industrial Users Class.

Oman Aluminium Processing Industries SPC

Oman Aluminium Processing Industries SPC (OAPIL) is a leading aluminium rod and overhead line conductor manufacturer. The company was established in 2008 as a joint venture between two of Oman’s prestigious business groups, Oman Cables Industry SAOG and Takamul Investments Co (SAOC)... Read more.

"Our commitment to environmental responsibility is embedded in every facet of our operations. We aim to play a pivotal role in global energy transition and grid infrastructure in a sustainable manner. While we demonstrate solid growth trajectory through quality value added products and strong customer support, we are committed to make meaningful contributions to the planet and society through our products and business operation."

– Hammad Ali, Commercial Director

Find more information on Oman Aluminium Processing Industries SPC on their ASI Member page in the Production and Transformation Class.

Binzhou Beihai Regal Advanced Material Co.,Ltd.

Binzhou Beihai Regal Metal was established in 2017 with a registered capital of 30 million yuan. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shanxi Regal Metal New Materials Co., Ltd. It mainly produces high-strength aluminium alloys, rare earth aluminium alloys, high thermal conductivity aluminium alloys... Read more.

"Chang is honoured to join the ASI family. We will continue to work hard to contribute to the sustainable development of the aluminium industry. With a healthy, efficient and energy-saving production model, we will continue to make progress, grasp the market, and look forward to the future!"

– Zhang Chaoqi, General Manager

Find more information on Binzhou Beihai Regal Advanced Material Co.,Ltd. on their ASI Member page in the Production and Transformation Class.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

Upcoming ASI Secretariat event participation

ASI Secretariat members regularly participate at events with in-person or virtual presentations. Additional details on dates, times, content and how to join the sessions are published on our events page as soon as they are available.

 

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