The future of aluminium: sustainability and training at the core
The aluminium sector in Italy is advancing along two key paths: environmental sustainability and fostering new skills through the involvement of young talents. According to the MECSPE Observatory, over 40% of companies now consider themselves sustainable, a significant increase from previous months. This shift aligns with the adoption of ESG criteria, already implemented or being developed by 33% of businesses, with another 25% planning to follow suit soon.
At the same time, many companies are prioritizing young talent. One in three businesses has partnered with universities and technical institutes, and an additional 30% intends to do so within the next year. The most sought-after roles include skilled workers and technicians, while over half of companies are investing in training to upskill their workforce.
METEF 2025: the hub for innovation and sustainability
These themes will take center stage at METEF, the international aluminium industry fair, scheduled from March 5 to 7, 2025, at BolognaFiere. Thanks to a partnership with ICE, participating companies can engage in one-to-one meetings with international buyers, offering a strategic platform to address global challenges.
The event will also highlight cutting-edge recycling technologies, which use 95% less energy than primary production, and discuss industrial policies to curb scrap exports while promoting renewable energy use.
European challenges: energy and critical resources
During a pre-event webinar hosted by METEF, experts like Roberta Maroni from Hydro and Francesca di Bernardo from the European Aluminium Association emphasized the need for stronger policies to tackle the European production decline, which has dropped by 52% since 2021 due to rising energy costs. This issue is compounded by increased scrap exports, depriving Europe of a key resource for recycling and amplifying reliance on primary production.
A collaborative and sustainable future
As Maruska Sabato, MECSPE project manager, stated, “METEF is where innovation, sustainability, and training converge to shape the future of the aluminium sector.” The fair serves not just as an exhibition but as a collaborative platform for companies, institutions, and young talents to transform aluminium into a driver of the ecological transition.
What’s your take on the industry’s challenges? Share your opinion in the comment section below.
