[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Novelis Oswego Hot Mill Expected to Resume Production Within Weeks

The EU-funded RecAL project aims to upgrade Europe’s aluminum recycling system by addressing alloy contamination and downcycling challenges. Led by the Austrian Institute of Technology, the initiative brings together 19 partners from nine countries to develop 14 recycling technologies and the “RecAL Hub” digital platform to improve scrap sorting, traceability and reuse efficiency, reducing the loss of high-value aluminum into lower-grade products. Aluminum beverage can recycling rates in Europe have reached 76.3%, while automotive aluminum recycling exceeds 90%. As demand for lightweight materials and circular economy solutions grows, the industry is accelerating efforts toward high-performance recycled aluminum and digitalized recycling management systems.

Herefordshire Council in the UK has expanded its household recycling rules to include aluminum foil, foil trays, foil-lined tubes and plastic tubes such as toothpaste and cosmetic packaging. The council said the move aims to simplify recycling for residents and reduce recyclable materials entering general waste streams. Under the updated guidance, households are advised to rinse and dry items before recycling, while aluminum foil should be scrunched into balls to improve sorting efficiency. The policy follows similar recycling expansions across other parts of England, reflecting broader efforts in Europe to improve recycling rates and strengthen the circular economy.

[Tightening Liquidity Expectations Strengthen, Aluminum Prices Under Pressure with Short-term Fluctuations] On the macro front, the US and Iran plan to sign a letter of intent to formally end hostilities and initiate 30-day negotiations, with geopolitical risk trends still remaining to be seen; the US Fed meeting minutes were far more hawkish than expectations, with most policymakers supporting policy tightening, and tightening liquidity expectations are overall bearish for metal prices. On the fundamentals side, supply gaps outside China and low inventory still provide bottom support, but inventory at high levels in China remains the core factor suppressing significant price rallies. Additionally, weak spot market transaction performance further limits upside room for aluminum prices. Aluminum prices are expected to continue the pattern of LME outperforms SHFE, fluctuating at highs in the short term.