The EU-funded RecAL project aims to upgrade Europe’s aluminum recycling system by addressing alloy contamination and downcycling challenges. Led by the Austrian Institute of Technology, the initiative brings together 19 partners from nine countries to develop 14 recycling technologies and the “RecAL Hub” digital platform to improve scrap sorting, traceability and reuse efficiency, reducing the loss of high-value aluminum into lower-grade products. Aluminum beverage can recycling rates in Europe have reached 76.3%, while automotive aluminum recycling exceeds 90%. As demand for lightweight materials and circular economy solutions grows, the industry is accelerating efforts toward high-performance recycled aluminum and digitalized recycling management systems.

The EU-funded RecAL project aims to upgrade Europe’s aluminum recycling system by addressing alloy contamination and downcycling challenges. Led by the Austrian Institute of Technology, the initiative brings together 19 partners from nine countries to develop 14 recycling technologies and the “RecAL Hub” digital platform to improve scrap sorting, traceability and reuse efficiency. The project seeks to increase the share of high-performance recycled aluminum through smarter and more digitalised recycling processes. Aluminum beverage can recycling rates in Europe have reached 76.3%, while automotive aluminum recycling exceeds 90%, highlighting the growing importance of secondary aluminum supply chains amid rising lightweight material demand.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Alcoa will invest US$65 million to upgrade its Mosjøen smelter in Norway, adding a new casting line, melting furnaces, and casthouse upgrades. The project will increase foundry capacity by up to 75,000 tpy and introduce post-consumer recycled aluminum into production for the first time, responding to rising recycled-content requirements from automotive and packaging customers in Europe. The upgrade will be completed in phases, with commissioning and ramp-up scheduled throughout 2028.

Hydro has supplied recycled aluminum to the Mercedes-Benz Trucks reECONIC project, delivering 31 extruded parts totaling about 600 kg. The components are made from Hydro CIRCAL, containing at least 75% post-consumer scrap, and produced entirely in Europe. Based on the electric eEconic vehicle, the project applies circular design across sourcing, manufacturing and end-of-life recycling to reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. The company noted that aluminum can be repeatedly recycled without loss of properties, supporting low-carbon mobility.

[SMM Aluminum Express News] Norsk Hydro is supplying low-carbon, recycled aluminum (Hydro CIRCAL) to the reECONIC Mercedes-Benz Trucks project, supporting circular material use in commercial vehicles. The delivery includes 600 kg of extruded components made from ≥75% post-consumer scrap, demonstrating that recycled aluminum can meet structural and safety requirements while significantly reducing carbon footprint.

[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Gränges and NG Nordic Extend Recycling Partnership to Strengthen Supply Gränges has signed a long-term agreement with NG Nordic to extend its recycled aluminum supply partnership for its Finspång facility in Sweden. Building on an existing collaboration, NG Nordic will supply recycled material from its Nordic operations, which Gränges uses in advanced aluminium products. Increasing recycled content helps reduce carbon footprint and improve resource efficiency. NG Nordic applies its “Transparent Metal” concept to ensure full traceability of material flows, enhancing quality control and supply stability.

[SMM Cast Aluminum Alloy Morning Comment: Aluminum Alloy Futures Closed Higher in Overnight Session, Spot Cargo Remained Stable] The aluminum alloy 2606 contract opened at 23,760 yuan/mt during the night session. After the opening, futures prices rose steadily, with prices running above the average price line throughout the session, showing a solid trend structure. Futures saw a slight increase in open interest simultaneously, with open interest edging higher. Volume and momentum were well-coordinated during the rise, and the price center continued to shift upward. Prices during the night session ranged from 23,695 to 23,920 yuan/mt. Prices moved sideways at highs near the close with no notable pullback, and the daily candlestick ultimately closed at 23,890 yuan/mt, up 0.84% for the day.

Glencore has acquired a 45% stake in an aluminum recycling and remelting plant in South Carolina, further expanding its presence in the US market. The facility is operated by Alumicore, which retains the remaining 55% stake. Amid Middle East disruptions to global supply chains and rising aluminum prices, companies are accelerating investment in recycled aluminum to secure supply. Glencore stated that the move will strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the US domestic aluminum supply chain. Once all three facilities are operational, total recycling capacity is expected to exceed 120,000 tonnes per year, reflecting a broader shift toward recycled aluminum to reduce reliance on primary metal and mitigate supply risks.

Recycling Industry Events This Week (December. 29-31)

On March 26, a centralized signing ceremony for investment projects in Dianjiang County for the first quarter of 2026 was held. Among the signed projects, a project for the annual production of 50,000 tons of recycled aluminum and aluminum product processing is planned to construct 10 production lines for aluminum smelting and deep processing. After completion and operation, it is expected to achieve an annual output value of 1.25 billion yuan and tax revenue of over 10 million yuan.