In a significant development for the aluminium industry, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) has commenced construction of the United Arab Emirates’ largest aluminium recycling plant. The new facility, located next to EGA’s existing smelter in Al Taweelah, represents a major step in the country’s efforts to enhance its recycling capabilities and reduce carbon emissions.
The plant, with an annual capacity of 170 thousand tonnes, approximately 187 thousand tons, will specialize in processing both post-consumer aluminium scrap, such as used window frames, and pre-consumer scrap from extrusion production. The recycled aluminium will be transformed into high-quality, low-carbon premium aluminium billets under the brand name RevivAL. This initiative aligns with the growing global trend towards sustainable production practices.
Currently, the majority of the UAE’s aluminium scrap is exported for processing, which results in a significant loss to the national economy. The completion of EGA’s recycling plant, expected within three years, positions EGA as the largest consumer of aluminium scrap in the UAE. This move is anticipated to have substantial economic benefits for the country.
The global demand for recycled aluminium is projected to increase significantly, from 27 million metric tons in 2022 to 57 million metric tons by 2040. This increase represents a shift towards more sustainable and energy-efficient production methods in the aluminium industry. Recycling aluminium requires 95 percent less energy compared to producing new metal and significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminium, highlighted the importance of recycling in the aluminium industry in a press release.
“Aluminium recycling is key to our metal achieving its enormous potential to contribute to decarbonisation while improving global living standards. This makes recycling the biggest global growth opportunity for our industry, and for EGA. Our construction of a major aluminium recycling plant will provide low carbon product options for our local and global customers while contributing to the national Operation 300bn industrial growth strategy.”
EGA’s commitment to sustainability is further evidenced by its use of solar power in aluminium production. The company was the first to produce aluminium commercially using solar power, under the product name CelestiAL, starting in 2021. Last year, EGA produced 57 thousand metric tons of CelestiAL. In 2023, EGA expanded its low carbon metal portfolio by combining solar and recycled aluminium, resulting in an even lower carbon product named CelestiAL-R. BMW Group is the first customer for this innovative metal.
In line with the UAE’s Net 50 by 2050 Strategic Initiative, EGA has pledged to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This commitment reflects a broader global movement towards more environmentally responsible industrial practices.
