[SMM 알루미늄 속보] 독일 알루미늄 산업 여전히 압박, 기업 과반 2026년 비관

Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA) has officially inaugurated its aluminum recycling plant in Al Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, with an annual production capacity of 185,000 tonnes, making it the largest recycling facility in the UAE. The plant processes post-consumer and selected pre-consumer aluminum scrap into low-carbon premium billets and T-bars under the RevivAL brand, while also producing recycled products blended with EGA's solar-powered CelestiAL and nuclear-powered MinimAL aluminum. Commercial production began in February 2026, with full ramp-up expected within six months depending on scrap availability. Including this project and a planned acquisition in Italy, EGA's global aluminum recycling capacity has exceeded 400,000 tonnes per year, with another 200,000 tonnes under development in Europe and the US.

German lifting equipment manufacturer eepos has launched a new aluminum jib crane for manufacturing, assembly and industrial applications, with commercial availability from July 8, 2026. The crane offers a maximum lifting capacity of 1,000 kg and a boom length of up to 8 metres. It features a new swivel bearing with 270-degree rotation and is available in both column-mounted and wall-mounted configurations. According to the company, the lightweight hollow aluminum rail improves load positioning, reduces operator effort and enhances workplace efficiency. The new crane targets industries including manufacturing, assembly and automotive. Since 2024, eepos has been part of global lifting solutions provider Kito Crosby.

Aluminum scrap is rapidly emerging as a strategic resource as the global industry accelerates its transition toward low-carbon production. Secondary aluminum requires only around 5% of the energy needed for primary production, making recycled metal increasingly attractive for both economic and environmental reasons. However, tightening scrap availability has intensified global competition. Europe is estimated to require an additional 1 million tones of aluminum scrap to meet its circular economy goals, while China has increased scrap imports and India is seeking to secure overseas supply amid concerns over potential EU export restrictions. At the same time, major investments in recycling capacity, together with carbon policies such as the EU's CBAM, are reinforcing the importance of recycled aluminum. Industry observers believe future competitiveness will increasingly depend on access to scrap resources, recycling efficiency and low-carbon supply chains.