Progress in Implementing Global Sustainability Standards for the Aluminum Industry Chain and Building a Sustainable Aluminum Value Chain [[SMM Aluminum Conference]]

On April 17, at the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminium Conference & Aluminium Industry Expo - Aluminium Industry Chain Sustainable Development Forum, hosted by SMM Information & Technology Co., Ltd. (SMM), SMM Metal Exchange Center, and Shandong AIS Information Technology Co., Ltd., and co-organized by Zhongyifeng Jinyi (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Lezhi County Qianrun Investment Promotion Service Co., Ltd., Guo Qi, ASI Assurance Manager of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), shared insights on the implementation of global sustainable standards for the aluminium industry chain and the progress in building a sustainable aluminium value chain.

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global non-profit standard-setting and certification organization.

Vision, Mission, and Values

Vision: Maximize the contribution of aluminium to a sustainable society.

Mission: Recognize and collaboratively promote responsible production, sourcing, and stewardship of aluminium.

Values: Ensure inclusivity in work and decision-making processes by promoting the participation of all relevant stakeholders. Encourage broad participation across the entire aluminium value chain, from bauxite and alumina to aluminium (from mining to downstream users). Promote shared responsibility for material management throughout the aluminium life cycle, from extraction, production, and use to recycling.

The presentation also covered the brief history of ASI, reasons for its establishment, governance structure, global consistency documentation system, membership growth, ASI today, and its core work.

Core Work: ASI collaborates with producers, users, and other stakeholders to promote responsible aluminium production, sourcing, and stewardship, driving transformation in the global aluminium value chain through the following means:

• Standard Setting and Certification

• Auditor Certification

• Training and Capacity Building

• Multi-Stakeholder Governance

• Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum (IPAF)

• Promoting Collaboration through Partnerships and Mutual Recognition

• Impact Assessment and Monitoring

♦ Strategic Evolution…

♦ Joining ASI

Be part of a global effort to drive positive change. Enhance performance through focused actions and expand progress on key environmental, social, and governance issues.

The presentation also elaborated on ASI certification.

♦ ASI and Climate

Climate responsibility of the aluminium industry: Accounts for 2% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ equivalent) and 4% of global CO₂ emissions.

ASI requires certified entities to: Develop greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction plans and use ASI-approved methodologies to ensure that the GHG emission reduction pathway aligns with a 1.5-degree Celsius warming scenario.

♦ ASI's GHG Pathway Methodology…

Proven Methodology

• It is a method for measuring the long-term GHG emission intensity performance of specific entities, in line with the industry's 1.5-degree scenario.

• Respect the 1.5-degree scenario carbon budget for the industry

• Warn that the slope may/will change if action is delayed

• Forward-looking methodology

• Not a measurement standard for "low-carbon," "green," or "net-zero" aluminum

♦ Parallel recognition

♦ Value brought

Value to members:

• Demonstrate leadership and commitment in responsible production, sourcing, and management of aluminum within the industry

• Enhance performance in key Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues through collective action, accelerating the sustainable development process

• Access specialized learning resources on ASI aluminum sustainability

• Advance the ASI certification process for both the enterprise and its suppliers

• Participate in ASI's ongoing work projects from a strategic corporate perspective

• Join ASI's governance system, including the operation of various specialized working groups

• Utilize ready-made sustainability management tools to efficiently address challenges in the aluminum value chain

• Gain the right to use the ASI membership logo and a dedicated display page on the official website

Value to ASI:

• Promote widespread collaboration and the widespread application of ASI standards within the aluminum value chain

• Infuse your professional voice and industry influence into our mission

• Create a demand boost for ASI-certified products in downstream markets

• Enhance industry awareness of sustainable aluminum

• Share your valuable experiences in other responsible sourcing projects

》Click to view the special report on the AICE 2025 SMM (20th) Aluminum Conference & Aluminum Industry Expo