Wednesday 6th September saw members of the Aluminium Federation team travel to a very sunny Dorset, for the Supporting a UK Circular Economy event hosted by Primetals Technologies UK at the Christchurch facility. The event aimed at exploring and discussing some key themes related to the UK aluminium flat-rolled product market.
Among striking views of Bournemouth Airport and being just a few miles from the town’s beautiful coastline, the day started with a fantastic networking opportunity; allowing delegates to connect with each other while enjoying the sunshine and a refreshing drink from the complimentary juice bar.
Grant Shoebridge, Head of Downstream at Primetals Technologies, kicked the day off with a welcome talk, which included a well-deserved mention of Primetals 50-year anniversary of providing leading aluminium strip shape measurement technology. He also went on to provide an overview of aluminium sustainability, shedding light on the state of the industry and what is being done in the aim of creating a UK circular economy. Key points included the fact that all producers are under considerable pressure to become sustainable, so many are now seeking ASI certification. Additionally, the London Metal Exchange is about to start trading a ‘green’ aluminium contract, and the EU is proposing a ‘green border’.
Next, Head of Aluminium at CRU, Paul Williams took to the stage to talk about UK vehicle battery production, with a focus on where aluminium foil is coming from. Specifically, Paul spoke about the projected increase in demand for BEVs and the increase in popularity for battery foil projects that are coming on-stream in China. To delve into Paul’s knowledge, the largest battery foil producers in China include Dingsheng New Materials, North China Aluminium, Anhui Zhongji, Nanshan Aluminium, Henan-base Shenlong Baoding New Material and Xiamen Xiashun. Additionally, Jiangyin Xinren Technology are aiming to have 16 foil mills installed by the end of this year, and Sichuan Wanshun Zhongji is constructing a 130,000 t/y aluminium rolling project, including 280,000 t/y battery foil capacity and 50,000 t/y light gauge foil capacity. A project which is expected to come on-stream by the end of 2023.
Following on, Primetals Technologies team members including Senior Sales Manager, Nick Saunders and Process Engineer, Rhys Verrinder shared their expertise on the UK aluminium flat-rolled product market. Nick shed light on the expectations for the UK beverage can market, emphasising the global trend in the push from plastic to cans, therefore increasing the demand for aluminium canned products. In fact, 82% of all aluminium drink’s cans sold in the UK were recycled back in 2021, helping to make the proposed 60 day can-to-can target now achievable. Rhys, on the other hand, spoke about ensuring product quality through class leading flatness and control, providing a valuable insight into the functionalities and importance of the Air Bearing ShapeMeter in the UK and global aluminium flat-rolled product market.
Senior Sales Manager, Nicholas Saunders, commented: “I felt the day was a great success with some really insightful and interesting presentations that generated fascinating discussions on the trajectory and opportunities of the UK aluminium market. It was also great to catch up with some old friends and make some new ones too as we celebrated the 50th year of our market leading Air Bearing ShapeMeter.”
ALFED’s Technical Manager, Jan Lukaszewski also shared his knowledge in a panel discussion with some Primetals’ team members, including Director Mike Brammer and Head of Projects and Engineering, David Parkin. The discussion raised an interesting debate on the topic of maximising productivity using new vs. old equipment in the aluminium industry.
The event finished off with an insightful tour of Primetals’ workshop, including demonstrations of their Air Bearing ShapeMeter and witnessing some of the workshop team in action. The tour ended with a trip back out in the sunshine to Teddy’s (locally caught) fish and chip van; an excellent and equally delicious way of drawing a fantastic day to a close!
Nadine Bloxsome, Membership and Sustainability Manager at ALFED, commented: “Thank you to the Primetals Technologies team for hosting ALFED members at their site in Christchurch. Informative and engaging discussions were had, around the growing demand for battery foil in the UK as giga factories come on stream and market updates showing how beverage can production will continue to grow, despite short-term weakness. One of the key takeaways was that the advance of solar power could mean huge storage capacity is needed and therefore the requirement for battery foil could eventually swamp the demand for automotive foil. It was a thoroughly interesting day and raised a number of topics that ALFED will be keen to follow and share with Members.”
For more information on Primetals, please visit www.primetals.com.
Additionally, for further information on ALFED, or to become a member, please visit www.alfed.org.uk or contact the team at alfed@alfed.org.uk.
