Together with five federal states, Aluminium Deutschland and the unions IG Metall and IGBCE have signed a joint declaration in favour of a competitive, climate-neutral aluminium industry in Germany.
On 8 October 2024, industrial and social partners and five federal states founded the German Aluminium Alliance in Düsseldorf. In a joint declaration, they reaffirm their commitment to a competitive and climate-neutral aluminium industry. The Alliance includes the Ministries of Economic Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saxony-Anhalt and Saarland, the Economic Authority of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, IG Metall and IG BCE as well as the German Aluminium Association “Aluminium Deutschland”.
Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of North Rhine-Westphalia, said: “I welcome this agreement that will make the German aluminium industry competitive and climate-neutral as quickly as possible. In this way, we will continue to secure the framework conditions for companies in future. The primary issues are affordable electricity prices, a secure and renewable energy supply and a strong circular economy.”
Rob van Gils, President of Aluminium Deutschland, emphasised: “Aluminium is not only essential for numerous industries such as transport, construction and electrical engineering, but also plays a central role in the implementation of net zero technologies. As a key material for decarbonisation, aluminium is needed in large quantities to achieve our climate targets. Together with politicians and social partners, we are committed to ensuring that the German aluminium industry masters this challenge sustainably and competitively.”
Jürgen Kerner, the second Chairman of IG Metall, commented: “We are delighted that the signatories have agreed on common goals for aluminium. This once again highlights the particular importance of the German aluminium industry, which, with its employees and expertise, plays a significant role in decarbonisation.” IGBCE board member Francesco Grioli added: “The focus on the circular economy is extremely important for achieving the climate targets. Aluminium is therefore part of the solution for achieving the energy transition.”
Aluminium is the key to transformation
Accordingly, the aluminium industry plays a crucial role in the energy transition and is an important part of the German economy. With over 62,000 employees and a turnover of more than 24 billion euros in 2023, the industry is a major employer and economic factor. Aluminium is an indispensable material for numerous industries, including transport, construction, packaging and electrical engineering – without it, many net-zero technologies would be unthinkable.
The signatories have agreed on the following goals:
Climate-neutral production: The industry aims to actively work on the development of innovative technologies to reduce CO2 emissions in aluminium production and establish a climate-neutral value chain.
Ensuring fair competitive conditions: The Alliance calls for fair competitive conditions at both the national and international levels in order to ensure that the German aluminium industry remains competitive and to safeguard jobs.
Circular economy: The focus is on promoting the circular economy and the use of secondary raw materials in order to conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact.
Social responsibility: Co-determination and collective bargaining are important components of the industry. The partners are committed to good working conditions and viable social security.
The signatories call for clear framework conditions to support the transformation of industry towards climate-neutral production.
This includes:
A stable energy supply: A stable and affordable energy supply is crucial for the competitiveness of industry.
Research funding: Investment in research and development is necessary in order to develop innovative technologies to decarbonise production.
Fair competitive conditions: The creation of a fair competitive environment at international level is essential to prevent ‘carbon leakage’.
Source: Aluminium Deutschland
