Sustainability in the downstream aluminium industry of India 

By Staff Report October 10, 2024 3:13 pm

The aluminium industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, particularly in the downstream sector. India, a major global player in the industry, is leading the way by incorporating renewable energy and sustainable technologies into its operations.

With growing demands for sustainability, the aluminium industry is now moving towards being more environment-friendly, especially within the downstream sector of the industry where aluminium is refined and used for different purposes. An important global player in the aluminium marketplace, India, has companies that not only produce aluminium but do so in more environmentally friendly and effective ways. Sustainable technologies and renewable energy are being embraced by the new generation of players in order to reduce their environmental footprint and contribute toward a circular economy. Let’s take a look at five Indian players who are making great strides toward sustainability in downstream aluminium operations.

Jindal Aluminium

Jindal Aluminium is leading the charge in India’s sustainable aluminium production by integrating innovative solutions prioritising environmental stewardship. The company has invested significantly in renewable energy initiatives and is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. While renewable energy is a focal point today, the company’s dedication began in October 1997 by establishing a 4.14 MW wind energy plant in Chitradurga, Karnataka. Since then, it has expanded its wind and solar capacities to over 50 MW. Currently, two of its three manufacturing facilities use 100% renewable energy.

By harnessing clean energy, Jindal Aluminium enhances its manufacturing processes, achieving energy efficiency while minimising reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, the company focusses on responsible sourcing of raw materials and employs advanced technologies to ensure eco-friendly production practices. With a strong dedication to sustainability, Jindal Aluminium is producing high-quality aluminium products and setting a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating that economic growth can harmoniously coexist with environmental responsibility.

Hindalco Industries

Hindalco Industries is the flagship business of the Aditya Birla Group and a global aluminium and copper leader, recognised as one of the most innovative and sustainable developers in the downstream aluminium sector. Operating from Mumbai, it’s truly spearheading the development of lightweight, high-performance aluminium alloys that are becoming essential for the automotive industries, in particular for EVs. The company specialises in aluminium that helps to reduce fuel consumption and cut down on emissions. The products offered by Hindalco play a crucial role in supporting the global shift towards environmentally friendly transportation, contribute to lowering the environmental impacts of the automotive sector, and enable sustainable transport solutions.

NALCO (National Aluminium Company)

NALCO is a public sector undertaking company based in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It is one of the leading companies with efforts in combining renewable energy with aluminium production. NALCO has invested much in clean sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, for supporting operations as part of its sustainability drive. This shift not only diminishes reliance on typical fossil fuels but also contributes to decreasing carbon emissions, hence aligning the company with national as well as international environmental goals. It is way ahead in aluminium manufacturing by taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint by pursuing energy-efficiency technologies alongside eco-friendly production.

Vedanta Aluminium

The aluminium major has been a leader in the Indian aluminium industry, using advanced digital and smart technologies to achieve sustainability in their production processes. From its base at Jharsuguda, Odisha, the company uses innovative tools like IoT and AI-powered analytics to improve the efficiency of its manufacturing, reduce waste, and, more importantly, boost energy conservation. A digital journey through smart factories and predictive maintenance brings the company, Vedanta Aluminium, closer to optimising its operational performance and reducing its environmental footprint significantly. This has helped the company to maintain its position as a leading name in sustainable and advanced aluminium production.

Century Extrusions

Headquartered in Kolkata, Century Extrusions is a company providing aluminium solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and minimising aste. The company uses highly accurate production techniques to develop customised aluminium profiles, especially those meant for specific industrial applications in automotive, railways, or construction. Century Extrusions maintains sustainability through minimal material waste and better resource utilization. The company avoids overproduction since it offers customised solutions that fit the requirements of individual clients, thus becoming an active participant in the expansion of the industry toward better, more sustainable, and efficient manufacturing practices.

The initiatives of these companies play an important role in steering the industry towards greater environmental responsibility, which aligns with global sustainability objectives and showcases leadership in eco-friendly industrial practices.