SMM2, 19 March: the following is an interview with Magdalena Garczy ska, director of recycling, by, Aluminium Insider before the 15th European International Congress on Aluminum Recycling held on February 26-27.

Magdalena: exports of waste aluminium from Europe have shifted to other countries in the region, namely India and Pakistan. As a result, exports of scrap aluminium from Europe remain high. For example, although preliminary figures for 2018 show that EU exports of scrap aluminium to China fell by 15 per cent in 2018, total EU exports increased by about 5 per cent in 2018 compared with 2017.

It is possible that more countries will adopt China's policy.

China is promoting the trade industry to produce waste of the right quality. Perhaps this is a sign that traders and technology developers in Europe's recycling value chain are investing more in classified technologies.

Importantly, rejecting low-quality waste aluminum is not good for the environment. It is necessary to ensure appropriate environmental health and safety conditions for the disposal of waste. We would like to see more countries adopt high environmental, health and safety (EHS) standards in line with European standards. Europe also needs to invest heavily in classification technology to make better use of waste and to ensure a circular economy in Europe.

What impact will the EU's circular economy plan have on primary aluminium producers in Europe?

Magdalena: circular economy stimulates recycling. But that does not mean Europe's primary aluminium producers should worry about bankruptcy.

Primary and recycling are equally important for the future of Europe.

Our upcoming 2050 vision report shows that demand for aluminium in Europe and around the world will remain strong in the coming decades.

That number is expected to increase by another 50 per cent by 2050.

As a result of the support policy for our sector by 2050, the share of recovery and primary products in total European demand is expected to be almost equal, with total demand expected to reach about 18 million tons.

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