Novelis is proud to be featured in a recent World Economic Forum article highlighting the impact of the First Movers Coalition (FMC), which has mobilized over $16 billion to accelerate the adoption of emerging decarbonization technologies in hard-to-abate industries. The FMC aims to drive demand for low-carbon solutions in sectors such as aluminum, aviation, and shipping—sectors that are critical to achieving a net-zero future but face significant technological and economic challenges. 

Novelis, in collaboration with Ball Corporation and Alcoa, has played a key role in developing an innovative aluminum cup made with 90% recycled aluminum and 10% ELYSIS-produced aluminum, manufactured using carbon-free smelting technology. This initiative, featured in the article, exemplifies how strategic partnerships and technological advancements can lead to more sustainable solutions and further advance aluminum’s role in the circular economy. 

As an initial signatory and committed FMC member, Novelis plays a crucial role in supporting the coalition’s mission to accelerate the transition to clean energy solutions and reduce emissions from aluminum production. The FMC, launched during the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in October 2021, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the U.S. Department of State, brings together leading global companies to leverage their collective purchasing power and supply chains to create early markets for innovative technologies that will be essential in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Novelis has pledged that by 2030, 10% of its primary aluminum purchases will be near-zero carbon, emitting less than 3 tonnes of CO₂ per ton. Additionally, the company has committed to ensuring that at least 50% of all aluminum used comes from recycled sources. Novelis has already exceeded this goal, achieving a 63% average recycled content rate in its products as of fiscal year 2024, further solidifying its leadership in sustainable aluminum production. 

Novelis’ participation in the FMC aligns closely with our ambitious Novelis 3×30 goals, which aim to increase recycled content to 75%, reduce emissions to less than 3 tonnes of CO2e per tonne of flat-rolled product (FRP) shipped and lead the industry with first-mover investments to drive circularity by 2030. 

Through our involvement in FMC, Novelis continues to lead the way in delivering low-carbon aluminum solutions that support the global transition to a net-zero economy. By investing in innovative recycling technologies, expanding closed-loop systems, and forming strategic partnerships, Novelis remains at the forefront of the industry’s sustainability transformation. 

Read the full article here: Over $16bn: First Movers Coalition sends world’s largest demand signal for emerging decarbonization technologies | World Economic Forum 

Novelis is proud to partner with Mercedes Benz Stadium in the “Recycle for Good” program. This initiative turns recycled aluminum cans into funds to build Habitat for Humanity homes for families in need. Recently, Keisha, a mother of three from southwest Atlanta, moved into her dream home thanks to this unique partnership. Since the program’s inception, five homes have been built in Atlanta. Learn more about this heartwarming story and how you can contribute here: Atlanta woman’s dream home became a reality one can at a time (fox5atlanta.com) 

In a recent commentary published in Recycling Today on June 22nd, Greg Schlicht, Senior Vice President of Global Beverage Packaging at Novelis, discusses the immense benefits of increasing aluminum can recycling rates in the United States. 

Novelis is at the forefront of this initiative, investing in and expanding our recycling ecosystem. We are also advocating for supportive legislation to increase recycling rates and promote a circular economy for aluminum.

Learn more about our efforts and how you can contribute to a sustainable future by reading the full commentary: Realizing the Benefits of Boosting Aluminum Can Recycling in the U.S. – Greg Schlicht, Novelis

At Novelis, we have always championed aluminum as the premier packaging for beverages, combining superior environmental benefits with unmatched practicality. A recent article in Food & Wine Magazine, “Here’s the Real Reason Beer Comes in Aluminum Cans,” reinforces our longstanding belief in the benefits of aluminum cans and sheds light on the historical context, technical benefits, and environmental advantages that perfectly echo Novelis’ dedication to sustainable packaging solutions.

For a comprehensive understanding of why aluminum is the best choice for beverage packaging, read the full article in Food & Wine Magazine here: Here’s the Real Reason Beer Comes in Aluminum Cans [foodandwine.com]

In a world witnessing a surge in aluminium demand, Novelis and Ball Corporation, both members of the First Movers Coalition (FMC), are leading the charge towards sustainability through a pioneering collaboration. As highlighted in a recent article by the World Economic Forum, the aluminium industry faces the imperative of meeting a projected 40% increase in global demand by 2030. 

The challenges lie in the emissions-intensive nature of primary aluminium production, where about 70% is still derived through energy-intensive refining and smelting processes. The call for decarbonization has prompted innovative strategies, and the collaboration between Novelis and Ball Corporation stands out as a beacon of progress.  

This dynamic partnership is not only based on a closed-loop arrangement but also extends its influence globally, working with various stakeholders throughout the manufacturing supply chain to enhance recycling rates and bolster the availability of aluminium scrap for recycling.  

The recycling industry plays a pivotal role in this sustainable narrative. With recycled aluminium accounting for one-third of the global supply, and estimates suggesting that 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in circulation, the focus on recyclers and the production of low-carbon recycled products is paramount. 

Novelis, as a global leader in aluminium recycling, acknowledges the critical role of secondary, recycled aluminium in mitigating the environmental impact of the industry. The collaborative efforts between Novelis and Ball Corporation showcase a harmonized approach to recycling, contributing to increased efficiencies in collection and production of recycled aluminium. 

As we navigate the complex landscape of aluminium production, the collaboration between Novelis and Ball Corporation stands as a testament to the power of partnerships in driving positive change. By combining their strengths, these FMC members are actively contributing to the broader goal of decarbonizing primary aluminium production and fostering a greener future for the aluminium industry. 

Read the full article here: Aluminium demand is rising – here’s how to make it sustainable | World Economic Forum (weforum.org) 

Novelis and International Aluminium Institute (IAI) shared insights into the role of aluminum cans in Asia’s circular economy at the 2023 World Knowledge Forum in Seoul on September 14. One of the largest global business forums in Asia, the event provides a platform for discussing and sharing knowledge to bridge the knowledge gap and promote balanced global economic growth and prosperity.

In his speech, Miles Prosser, IAI Secretary General, presented the results of IAI’s recent research on aluminum can recycling in six countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea. He highlighted that recycling of aluminum beverage containers could save 60 million tonnes of CO2e per annum by 2030 globally and suggested improvement levers to increase aluminum can-to-can recycling, a model of a circular economy.

Christopher Cerone, Vice President, Government Affairs & Communications at Novelis, discussed the company’s tangible commitment to de-carbonization and sustainability and the extensive partnerships it is developing to increase aluminum scrap recycling. “Market demand for low carbon aluminum continues to grow significantly in line with the ESG and net zero commitments of governments and companies around the world,” said Cerone. “Recycling aluminum promotes de-carbonization since it requires only 5% of the energy compared to making primary aluminum while emitting 95% less carbon. This is why it is important to establish a circular economy for aluminum, a material critical to a greener economy.”

ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Novelis Inc., a leading sustainable aluminum solutions provider, today announced that in early 2023 it signed a new anchor customer contract with aluminum can maker Ball Corporation in North America. Under the contract, Novelis will supply aluminum sheet to Ball can making plants in North America.

Read the full report here.

By Greg Schlicht, Senior Vice President, Global Beverage Packaging

The future has never been brighter for aluminum beverage cans. No other drink container has the same high-powered combination of sustainability, marketability and durability. Add the fact that aluminum cans are lightweight and quick to cool and you’ve got what we think is a perfect container for the full range of beverages on the market today.

Where convenience used to reign supreme, sustainability now wears the crown. A 2023 McKinsey and Company survey of 11,500 consumers in 11 nations shows they want sustainable packaging to address issues of hygiene and food safety, water and air pollution, climate change and ocean litter among other global concerns. Those drivers were deemed to be extremely or very important for a large majority with most saying they are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.

Both consumers and brands are placing more value on sustainable packaging and looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing product quality or convenience. Aluminum beverage cans neatly fit the bill, going from recycling bins back to store shelves in as little as 60 days. Aluminum is also infinitely recyclable, which supports a truly circular economy. In fact, aluminum cans are the most recycled beverage packages in the world and 75% of the aluminum ever produced is still in use today.

Recycling an aluminum beverage can saves approximately 95% of the energy that would be required to manufacture the same product from primary aluminum. In 2022, Novelis recycled 2.3 million tons of aluminum, including more than 82 billion used beverage cans.

Sustainability is far from the only reason that aluminum cans are in high demand. While comprising only 3% of a product’s weight, they are incredibly strong, do an excellent job of protecting beverages during transport and are sealed to block light and oxygen for maximum freshness.

Marketers love the fact that cans offer a 360-degree canvas for product branding. One glance at store shelves shows that brand owners are maximizing their packaging to grab consumers’ attention with bold colors and graphics. These branding opportunities are key reasons aluminum beverage cans are now the package of choice for a growing range of products – cold brews, canned cocktails and seltzers, and energy drinks, just to name a few.

With so much going for it, does the aluminum beverage can still have room for improvement? I say yes. At Novelis, we are working to increase the percentage of recycled content in aluminum beverage can sheet. We are doing this by creating new alloys that are able to accept even greater amounts of recycled aluminum, entering into partnerships to support improvements in collection and sorting technology, and making further investments in new plants to recycle greater amounts of aluminum. Today, Novelis’ beverage packaging sheet is comprised of more than 80% recycled content.

As part of its overall objective of being carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner, Novelis has invested heavily to grow recycling capacity, with nearly $2 billion of completed and announced investments from 2011 to date. Every investment made in beverage package recycling thus far has resulted in important steps toward a circular economy and, while the future for cans has never been brighter than it is today, Novelis believes there is plenty of room for improvement.