Novelis targets auto sheet circularity in China

Atlanta-based aluminum producer Novelis Inc. has announced a $375 million investment to expand rolling and recycling capabilities at its plant in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China. Novelis says the project will fully integrate its automotive business to supply automakers in Asia with Novelis’ low-carbon, sustainable aluminum.

The expansion includes upgrades to the existing hot mill, a new cold mill, and a new recycling and casting center, which will allow the company to implement closed-loop recycling partnerships with automotive customers in Asia. Novelis expects to break ground on the expansion early next year and complete it in mid-2024.

Recycling aluminum is a key component of Novelis’ sustainability commitment to reduce carbon emissions 30 percent by 2026 and become carbon neutral by 2050, says the company.

“The Zhenjiang expansion reaffirms our financial strength and commitment to reinvesting for growth while also advancing our business toward the circular economy,” says Steve Fisher, president and CEO of Novelis. “With this investment, we will further solidify our standing as the leading provider of automotive aluminum sheet in Asia. We will also be better positioned to support the rapidly growing electric vehicle (EV) market and their need for lightweight, low-carbon aluminum.”

“China is one of the fastest-growing vehicle markets in the world and its automakers are gaining market share across Asia,” comments Sachin Satpute, an executive vice president of the firm and president of Novelis Asia. “Therefore, this strategic investment is needed to keep pace with growing demand, particularly from EV companies. Most importantly, the creation of the country’s first automotive closed-loop recycling system advances our purpose of ‘Shaping a Sustainable World Together’ while aligning with China’ ambitious carbon reduction goals.”

During the past three years, Novelis says it has increased its global automotive capacity by 250 percent in response to growing demand for aluminum components and parts from automakers.

During the past three years, Novelis says it has increased its global automotive capacity by 250 percent in response to growing demand for aluminum components and parts from automakers.

“China is one of the fastest-growing vehicle markets in the world and its automakers are gaining market share across Asia,” comments Sachin Satpute, an executive vice president of the firm and president of Novelis Asia. “Therefore, this strategic investment is needed to keep pace with growing demand, particularly from electric vehicle (EV) companies. Most importantly, the creation of the country’s first automotive closed-loop recycling system advances our purpose of ‘Shaping a Sustainable World Together’ while aligning with China’ ambitious carbon reduction goals.”

During the past three years, Novelis says it has increased its global automotive capacity by 250 percent in response to growing demand for aluminum components and parts from automakers.