German Aluminium Alliance formed

Image: Aluminium Deutschland

Industry, social partners and five federal states have joined forces to create the German Aluminium Alliance. In a joint declaration, they have reaffirmed their commitment to a competitive and climate-neutral aluminium industry. The alliance includes the economic ministries of the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt and Saarland, the economic authority of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, IG Metall and IGBCE, and the Aluminium Deutschland Association.

Mona Neubaur, minister for economic affairs and climate protection for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, said: “I am delighted about the agreement to make the aluminium industry in Germany competitive and climate-neutral as quickly as possible. In this way, we will secure the framework conditions for companies in the future. This is primarily about affordable electricity prices, a secure and renewable energy supply and a strong circular economy.”

Rob van Gils, president of Aluminium Deutschland, commented: “Aluminium is not only essential for numerous industries such as transport, construction and electrical engineering, but also plays a central role in the implementation of net-zero technologies. As a key material for decarbonisation, aluminium is needed in large quantities to achieve our climate goals. Together with politicians and the social partners, we are committed to ensuring that the German aluminium industry masters this challenge sustainably and competitively.”

Jürgen Kerner, the second chairman of IG Metall, said: “We are pleased that the signatories have agreed on common goals when it comes to aluminium. This once again highlights the special importance of the German aluminum industry, which, with its employees and its know-how, plays a significant role in decarbonisation.”

IGBCE board member, Francesco Grioli, said: “The focus on the circular economy in particular is extremely important for achieving climate goals. The material aluminium is therefore part of the solution for achieving the energy transition.”

Aluminium as the key to transformation

The aluminium industry plays a crucial role in the energy transition and is an important part of the German economy. With over 62,000 employees and sales of over 24 billion euros in 2023, the industry is a major employer and economic factor. Aluminium is an indispensable material for numerous industries, including transport, construction, packaging and electrical engineering – without aluminium, many net-zero technologies are unthinkable.

Common goals for a sustainable future

The signatories have agreed on the following goals:

  • Climate-neutral production: The industry will actively work on developing innovative technologies to reduce CO2 emissions in aluminium production and establish a climate-neutral value chain.
  • Ensuring competitiveness: The alliance calls for fair competitive conditions at national and international level to ensure the competitiveness of the German aluminium industry and to secure jobs.
  • Circular economy: The focus is on promoting the circular economy and the use of secondary raw materials in order to conserve resources and reduce environmental pollution.
  • Social responsibility: Co-determination and collective bargaining are important components of the industry. The partners are committed to good working conditions and sustainable social security.

Key demands

The signatories are calling for clear framework conditions to support the transformation of industry to climate-neutral production. These include:

  • Stable energy supply: A secure and affordable energy supply is crucial for the competitiveness of industry.
  • Research funding: Investments in research and development are necessary to develop innovative technologies for decarbonising production.
  • Fair competitive conditions: Creating a fair competitive environment at the international level is essential to prevent ‘carbon leakage.’

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