Author

Alex Laugharne
Aluminium Base Metals Battery Materials Energy Commodities Ferroalloys Fertilizers Minor Metals Precious Metals Steel Wire & Cable Prices Battery Economics Trade Strategy Wire & Cable Fertilizers & Agricultural Chemicals Chemicals Transport Construction Metals Mining Manufacturing Consumer goods and retail Technology Stockholders/Distributors Government and Institutions Professional Services Academia & Research Financial Services Energy & Renewables Emissions Strategy Strategic Planning and Market Opportunities Performance Evaluation and Benchmarking Cost Management and Optimization Risk Management and Compliance Negotiations and Hedging Leadership and Influence Policy making and lobbying Batteries Power, Energy, Renewables and Utilities Wire and Cable (& Fibre) Fertilizers Chemicals Transport & Automotive Construction / EPC Contractors Mining, and Metal Production Manufacturing & Fabrication Consumer goods and retail Healthcare Infrastructure/Equipment Technology Stockholders/Distributors Government and Policymakers Professional Services Academia & Research Financial Services, Investors and Traders Silicon

CRU was engaged by a large aluminium producer looking to better understand the prospects for marketing recycled metal to consumer and automotive customers.

Introduction
Rising societal and investor consciousness regarding the importance of environmental sustainability, has the potential to drive future materials choices. In this context, our client wished to understand the demand outlook for recycled aluminium demand across key end use sectors, particularly packaging and automotive applications.

Data: CRU

Our recommendation
CRU Consulting identified a series of fundamental trends and drivers affecting future materials choices. We found evidence of a major shift in attitudes towards ESG, with a particular emphasis on increased recyclability in the achievement of carbon reduction targets. However, the potential commercial opportunities are impeded by a range of technical barriers to higher recycling content in some applications, complexities associated with certification/ quality assurance, and limitations on the willingness of customers to part a premium for recycled content.

Our methodologies
CRU Consulting conducted a range of structured interviews with procurement specialists, marketing specialists, investors as well as design/ process engineers to better understand material choices and substitution threats. We subsequently synthesised the results to identify key trends as well as points where consensus in the market was lacking. These insights were complemented by quantitative analysis of the potential market penetration of low carbon aluminium in key end uses such as electric vehicles.

Data: CRU

Benefits delivered
CRU’s insight and research gave the client a full understanding of the demand landscape for recycled aluminium, allowing them to fine-tune their marketing strategy.

Data: CRU