EGA Teams up To Launch An Aluminium Recycling Initiative: UAE

The Aluminium Recycling Coalition, according to the report, aims to drive a "step-change" in recycling the metal in the UAE and promote aluminium recycling by consumers, particularly beverage cans, EGA said in a statement.

The coalition includes EGA, Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer), Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages Company, Coca-Cola Al Ahlia Beverages Company, BeeahTandeef, Pepsi-bottler Dubai Refreshment, Canpack, Crown Bevcan, Dulsco Group, and France-based resource management group Veolia.

Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, commented, "Aluminum demand is expected to grow worldwide by between 50 percent and 80 percent by 2050 because of the key role of this infinitely recyclable material in achieving net zero."

"Cooperation throughout the value chain, such as the Aluminum Recycling Coalition, will speed the decarbonization of our economy in line with the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative."

A body representing the global primary aluminium industry showed that more than 70 percent of the material used in aluminium cans is recycled into new products—aalmost double that of glass (34 percent) and plastic (40 per cent).according to a March 2022 study by the International Aluminium Institute (IAI).

It also found that aluminium cans best support a circular economy and that, compared with aluminium cans, more glass and plastic bottles end up in landfills because they are not collected.

The UAE's Aluminum Recycling Coalition will "enhance the UAE’s position as a global leader in international efforts towards green development, support our 2031 goals on the circular economy, and contribute to building a knowledge-based economy that is more resilient and competitive,"  Abdullah bin Touq, UAE Minister of Economy, said.

Last year, EGA announced plans to build an aluminium recycling plant with a capacity of 150,000 metric tonnes per year as it looked to decarbonize its operations.

EGA was also the first Middle East-based company to join the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, a global body that sets sustainability standards for the industry.

Abdulnasser bin Kalban, chief executive of EGA, said, "Recyclability is one reason aluminium is so important for human progress, but every day as a society we throw too much of this valuable metal away."

"By championing the Aluminum Recycling Coalition, EGA aims to increase aluminium recycling rates in the UAE to the benefit of our society and economy,"  stated the report.

The UAE is aiming to achieve net zero by 2050, with new investments worth Dh600 billion ($163.5 billion) planned in clean and renewable energy sources over the next three decades.

A report said EGA, one of the world's largest aluminium producers, has smelters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The company is developing its own technology to decarbonize operations and reduce emissions. Its aluminium is shipped to more than 50 countries. EGA generates approximately Dh20 billion in economic activity each year and supports over 60,000 jobs in the UAE. 

 By Sumita Pawar