China Nonferrous Metals Association sets new standard for green & low-carbon aluminium

To promote green aluminium consumption and advance the sustainable, low-carbon development of the aluminium industry, the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association and the China Nonferrous Metals Society issued the group standard T/CNIA 0245-2024, titled "Evaluation and Traceability Guide for Green and Low-Carbon Aluminum," on June 27, 2024.

Following this, the Green Product Evaluation Centre of the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association has enhanced the evaluation process, created a materials list, and finalised all preparations for assessing green, low-carbon aluminium. From October 8, 2024, aluminium industry production enterprises can submit green and low-carbon aluminium evaluation applications to the evaluation centre.

Under the newly issues standard

Ma Cunzhen, chairman of the National Technical Committee for Standardisation of Nonferrous Metals and director of the Green Product Evaluation Centre at the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, emphasised that both green aluminium and recycled aluminium possess unique green and low-carbon attributes. He noted that integrating the two is essential for China's aluminium industry's sustainable, low-carbon development.

According to the newly issued standard's definition, green low-carbon aluminium refers to the first commercial aluminium product made by combining green electrolytic aluminium materials with recycled aluminium materials during the melting and casting process. The evaluation of green, low-carbon aluminium will prioritise aluminium products that meet urgent market demands, face significant foreign trade pressure, contribute meaningfully to emission reductions, have comprehensive data collection, and demonstrate a clear impact on the industrial and supply chains.

Data from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association

According to data from the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association, China's theoretical output of green aluminium surpassed 10 million tonnes in 2023, while recycled aluminium production reached 9.5 million tonnes. This demonstrates that China's aluminium industry is well-positioned for green and recycled aluminium integration.

The evaluation of green and low-carbon aluminium will supply the market with certified, sustainable products to meet the rapidly growing demand in domestic applications. It will also provide:

• A strong foundation for Chinese aluminium products to enter international markets
• Addressing green trade barriers
• Further enhancing the global influence and competitiveness of China's aluminium industry