Its unique combination of lightness and durability makes it a key component in automotive manufacturing, construction, and defense. At the same time, its overall end-of-life recyclability ranges between 90–95%. However, a look at the actual recycling rate and the export figures for recyclable aluminum shows that the path to a functioning circular economy in Europe has not yet been fully traveled.
Primary aluminum production in Europe has declined by about half since 2022 as a result of the energy crisis. In comparison, recycling requires only about 5% of the energy needed to produce primary aluminum. Europe is also pursuing the goal of reducing its dependence on primary aluminum imports and retaining more aluminum scrap—which has previously been exported to Asia—within its own market. The first companies are already responding with investments: Speira has invested approximately 400 million Norwegian kroner at its Holmestrand site in Norway in a new furnace designed to increase recycling capacity by 22,000 metric tons per year and ensure that, in the future, half of the aluminum produced there will come from secondary sources. Plant Manager Jon Gaasholt views the investment as part of a broader understanding of sustainability that encompasses the optimization of production, processing, and recycling in equal measure.
Scrap Exports
According to a statement from European Aluminium, more than one million metric tons of aluminum scrap leave the EU each year. These raw materials are thus lacking in European recycling facilities and indirectly increase the cost of the remaining material. The European Commission is currently proposing a 15% tariff on aluminum scrap exports for all trading partners. The proposal must be approved by a qualified majority, allowing member states to vote on whether to accept it. At the same time, the planned Circular Economy Act is intended to establish a long-term framework for the availability and quality of secondary raw materials.
Figures for the Start of 2026
The latest production data from Aluminium Deutschland put the sense of optimism into perspective: In the first quarter of 2026, 684,564 metric tons of recycled aluminum were produced in Germany, a decline of about 3% compared to the previous year. While refiners were able to increase their production by 2% to 128,639 metric tons, remelters recorded a 4% decline to 555,925 metric tons, thus remaining the primary drag on growth. Production of semi-finished products also fell slightly by 1% to 568,688 metric tons. Association President Rob van Gils attributes the situation to a persistently difficult economic and structural environment and makes it clear that individual positive developments will not change this as long as business conditions do not improve noticeably.
ALUMINIUM 2026
Against this backdrop, ALUMINIUM—the world’s leading trade fair, taking place in Düsseldorf from October 6–8, 2026—has quite understandably chosen “Sustainability” as its overarching theme, with a special focus on secondary aluminum as the key to decarbonization. New to the program is the Sustainability & Recycling Conference, featuring expert presentations on the circular economy and low-carbon production, complemented by a dedicated exhibition area, the Sustainability & Recycling Plaza. Exhibitors are using the trade show to present solutions for greater transparency in the supply chain.
From an energy policy perspective, there are good reasons to believe that recycled aluminum will continue to gain importance. In reality, however, a shortage of scrap and an unclear regulatory framework are hindering development in key market segments. What the industry needs now is a clear stance from the European Commission and its member states. If aluminum is to be considered a systemically important raw material, the industry must receive appropriate support from policymakers.
Sources
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Metal Packaging Europe / European Aluminium: Bericht zur Recyclingquote von Aluminiumdosen
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AL Circle: „Europe secures 76.3% in aluminium can recycling, led by Germany with 99%“
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European Aluminium: Startseite mit aktuellen Positionen zu Schrottexporten und Energiepolitik
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International Aluminium Journal: Kolumne „2026: a defining year for Europe’s aluminium industry“
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AL Circle: „Europe’s 400,000t of new recycling capacities build on 8 Mt demand“
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Aluminium Deutschland e. V.: „Aluminiumindustrie 2026 weiter unter Druck: Jahresstart ohne Erholungssignal“
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ALUMINIUM 2026: Pressemitteilung „Nachhaltigkeit und Zukunft im Blick“
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ALUMINIUM 2026: Pressemitteilung „Starke Stimme für die Industrie im Wandel“
