Moves to reduce plastic packaging paving path for increasing use of aluminium: Emilio Braghi, Novelis

The European head of Novelis has reportedly pointed out that moves to reduce plastic packaging as a measure to protect the environment have started increasing the demand for aluminium packaging. Also, the trend towards electric cars is bolstering the demand for aluminium, according to world’s largest rolled aluminium producer’s senior vice president and Europe president Emilio Braghi.

“Consumers want more sustainable beverage packaging options, which is having a direct and positive impact on aluminium demand as aluminium cans provide a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles,” Braghi said in an interview for LME Week 2019.

He added that some of the world’s biggest beverage brands announced to address the plastic waste challenge by introducing new aluminium packaging for water. Besides, the aluminium industry itself is taking several initiatives to convince food and other packagers about the eco-friendly traits of the metal as an alternative to plastic.

“A beverage can that is recycled today can be back on store shelves in just 60 days,” he said. “Cans made from recycled aluminium save 95% of the energy required to make a new can and aluminium can be recycled infinitively without losing quality. This makes it a valuable resource instead of using packaging materials that end up in the oceans.”

In regards to the automotive industry driving the demand for flat-rolled products (FRP), Braghi said: “The number of electric vehicles is expected to increase significantly and the demand for aluminium is expected to multiply tenfold by 2030 compared to 2017.”

According to him, the aluminium demand in the automotive sector will grow robust primarily because of the new applications such as high-voltage components, integration of electric motors, modified weight distribution or safe concepts in new-gen vehicles.