ALUMINIUM 2024: Optimism and Confidence in the Global Aluminium Industry

© RX Deutschland / Jannik Hammes Fotografie

Current major challenges, but even greater prospects for the future: Aluminium continues to be a key enabler across a variety of industries. The positive sentiment in the international aluminium industry was clearly evident at ALUMINIUM 2024 in Düsseldorf.

With 20,904 visitors from 99 countries (2022: 18,600) and 819 exhibitors and partners from 50 nations, ALUMINIUM brought together industry players along the entire value chain from 8 to 10 October 2024 – from raw material suppliers to producers, processors and recycling experts.   

"Optimism and confidence were the defining feelings at ALUMINIUM 2024, despite the various challenges in the individual markets," said Michael Köhler, Managing Director of RX Deutschland GmbH, the event organiser. "Aluminium remains a crucial factor in the future of many industries worldwide, particularly in the context of decarbonisation. As the leading global event, we are not just a platform; we are a vital driver of innovation and progress."

Despite concerns over energy supply, supply chains, and global competition, ALUMINIUM 2024 demonstrated that the industry is in a strong position. "Despite the current challenges, we remain optimistic," said Rob van Gils, President of the Aluminium Deutschland association. "If we create the right framework conditions, the aluminium industry in Germany and Europe has a bright future ahead." According to van Gils, this includes "competitive conditions and planning security, especially in energy supply. A European Industrial Deal is urgently needed to safeguard the competitiveness of European companies."

Paul Voss, Director General of the European Aluminium association, also emphasised that EU industrial policy is a crucial lever for fostering innovation and decarbonisation. "The good news is that the political framework is already changing. And the aluminium industry has the solutions needed to actively shape this transition," Voss stated during the ALUMINIUM press conference.

Aluminium as a Key Component of Industrial Transformation
In Germany, the government has also recognised the importance of the aluminium industry and the material itself. "The aluminium industry is a vital part of the future for both Germany and Europe," said Dr Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, in his video message at the opening of the event. "Aluminium is practically ideal when it comes to industrial transformation, lightweight construction, competitiveness, and decarbonisation." He added, "We are working intensively on further improving our location, particularly regarding energy costs, reducing unnecessary bureaucratic burdens, and strengthening fair competition."

Global Growth Opportunities
Exhibitors also reflected the optimism within the industry: "There's a great atmosphere and energy, and it's important for the industry to come together and celebrate our fantastic material," said Antti Laakkonen from Constellium.

While it may take some time for this celebratory mood to reach all markets and sectors, the outlook remains positive. "Markets are slowing down slightly due to the global crisis and recessions in some regions. But growth will certainly come over the next few years, even if it might be less and slower than previously expected," explained Michael Schaefer from SMS group.

This also applies to the automotive industry, a key market that is currently not fully meeting the expectations of recent years. "The automotive sector is certainly facing challenges at the moment, particularly in e-mobility. Customers are hesitating with their decisions. They're unsure whether they should buy an electric vehicle or not. But e-mobility is coming, that's for sure. The only question is when. It has already gained importance and will continue to grow, albeit slightly behind the expectations from months or years ago. But it will come, and it represents enormous growth potential for aluminium," said Pascal Wagner from Speira.

Beyond the automotive sector, expectations for a recovery in other markets remain high. "I believe the vehicle and construction markets will make a comeback," Michael Zint from the apt group confidently stated.

Sustainability Driving Demand
The demand for aluminium is being driven by sustainability efforts across almost all global industries. "We see a strong substitution of copper and steel with aluminium. Our long-term outlook is quite positive, as aluminium is a crucial contributor to the green, sustainable transformation," said Marijn Rietveld from Norsk Hydro.

Aluminium's recyclability is a key factor in this, with the material benefitting greatly from its circular potential. "The more circular the industry becomes, the more development there will be. And, of course, Europe is leading the charge towards a stronger circular economy. I think this is a very important development for the aluminium industry as a whole," added Derin Akersoy from Assan Alüminyum.

Supply chains remain a central issue in the context of globalisation: "I see growth on a global level. What we've seen is that there are essentially two macro drivers supporting this growth. The number one is sustainability. We could also see a clear trend that it is important to deliver globally but with local, regional supply chains," noted Frederik Spens from Gränges.

ALUMINIUM as a Catalyst for Business and Societal Progress
ALUMINIUM 2024 was not just a platform for professional exchange but also for networking and business deals. "The exhibition is an opportunity for us to meet with our customers, suppliers, and business partners. This morning, we signed a very ambitious contract with our business partner. And ALUMINIUM is the platform to do something like that," said Alexandre Gellert from Novelis after a successful day at the event.

But it wasn't just new business that was initiated at ALUMINIUM; the event also set important impulses for the economic and societal development of the industry. Topics such as the shortage of skilled workers and recruitment of young talent were high on the agenda to attract the next generation to the aluminium industry. The premiere of the "Women With Metal – the ALUMINIUM Awards" also sent a strong signal for more visibility and recognition of women in the industry, marking an important step towards greater diversity within the sector.

"This year's event clearly showed that the aluminium industry and its material play a crucial role in solving many of the world's global challenges," concluded Michael Köhler. "The exchange at ALUMINIUM 2024 was urgently needed. The industry has a lot to discuss. We will continue to support this dialogue as a platform and pick it up again, at the latest, at the next ALUMINIUM event in 2026."

The next ALUMINIUM will take place from 6 to 8 October 2026. 

© RX Deutschland / Oliver Wachenfeld

“Optimism and confidence shaped the atmosphere at ALUMINIUM 2024, despite the various challenges across individual markets. Aluminium continues to be a crucial factor in the future of numerous industries worldwide, especially when it comes to decarbonisation. As the world’s leading trade fair, we are not just a global platform but also a key driver of progress.
[...] This year's fair has clearly shown that the aluminium industry and its material play an essential role in solving many global challenges. The exchange at ALUMINIUM 2024 was therefore urgently needed. The industry has a lot to discuss, and we will continue to facilitate this dialogue as a platform, with the next instalment at the latest in 2026.”

Michael Köhler, Managing Director, RX Deutschland GmbH

“Despite the current challenges, we remain optimistic. If we create the right framework, the aluminium industry in Germany and Europe has a successful future ahead. Competitive conditions and planning security, especially in energy supply, are crucial. A European Industrial Deal is urgently needed to secure the competitiveness of European companies.”

Rob van Gils, President of Aluminium Deutschland e. V. / CEO and Managing Partner, Hammerer Aluminium Industries

"EU industrial policy is a key lever for promoting innovation and decarbonisation. The good news is that the political framework is already shifting, and the aluminium industry has the necessary solutions to actively shape this transition."

Paul Voss, Director General, European Aluminium

“The aluminium industry is a vital part of the future for Germany and Europe. When it comes to industrial transformation, lightweight construction, competitiveness, and decarbonisation, aluminium is practically ideal. [...] We are working intensively on further improving our location, particularly with regards to energy costs, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, and strengthening fair competition.”

Dr Robert Habeck, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (video message)

"The exhibition is an opportunity for us to meet with our customers, suppliers, and business partners. In general, we discuss the state of the industry, new ideas, innovations, and, not least, circularity. This morning, we signed a very ambitious contract with one of our business partners, and ALUMINIUM is the platform to make that happen."

Alexandre Gellert, Director of Metal Procurement, Novelis

“I find ALUMINIUM important. It’s a great opportunity to interact with customers, prospects, other value chain partners, and stakeholders to understand what’s happening in the industry. Overall, there is a good buzz, good energy, and it’s important for the industry to come together and celebrate our fantastic material.”

Antti Laakkonen, Senior Marketing & Sustainability Manager, Constellium

“Some segments are doing extremely well. We see a strong substitution of copper and steel with aluminium, particularly in mobility and renewable energy sectors. [...] Overall, our long-term outlook is quite positive, as aluminium is a key contributor to the green and sustainable transition.”

Marijn Rietveld, Director of Innovation & Strategic Projects, Norsk Hydro

“The expectations [for industry developments] were higher than what we are currently seeing. Markets are slowing down slightly due to the global crisis and recessions in some local areas. But growth will undoubtedly come over the next few years, though it may be less and slower than previously expected.”

Michael Schaefer, Executive Vice President & Head of Flat Products, SMS Group

“I see growth on a global level. What we observed was that there are actually two macro drivers supporting this growth. The number one is sustainability. We also saw a clear trend that while global delivery is important, it is crucial to establish local, regional supply chains.”

Frederik Spens, President, Gränges Europe

“The automotive sector is certainly facing challenges at the moment, particularly in e-mobility. Customers are hesitant with their decisions. They’re unsure whether to buy an electric vehicle or not. But e-mobility is coming, that’s certain. The question is just when. It will come, and it represents enormous growth potential for aluminium."

Pascal Wagner, Member of Executive Management, Speira

“I believe the vehicle and construction markets will bounce back. What we see as APT Group is that specific industrial applications for heat transfer in electric components will have tremendous growth potential.”

Michael Zint, CEO, apt Group

“I think sustainability and decarbonisation are very important topics for the aluminium industry, as well as for other industries. The more circular the industry becomes, the more development there will be. And of course, Europe is driving the shift towards a stronger circular economy. I believe this is a very important development for the aluminium industry as a whole.”

Derin Akersoy, Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, Assan Alüminyum