AL Circle x Mario Conserva: EU aluminium scrap dilemma, export curbs and the push for industrial resilience
In an exclusive interview with AL Circle, FACE Secretary General Mario Conserva highlights the growing strategic importance of aluminium scrap for Europe’s transition towards a low-emission and circular economy.
With primary aluminium production in structural decline and demand expected to rise significantly, Europe is becoming increasingly dependent on secondary materials. Yet, more than 1.2 million tonnes of aluminium scrap leave the EU every year — a volume equivalent to nearly 25% of Europe’s recycling capacity — undermining domestic industry, investment and competitiveness.
As Conserva stresses, this “scrap leakage” is no longer sustainable. At a time when recycled aluminium offers up to 95% energy savings compared to primary production, exporting scrap means exporting both energy and strategic value. Meanwhile, global demand, distortive subsidies and regulatory asymmetries are intensifying competition for this critical resource.
FACE calls for decisive and structural action at EU level, including the introduction of an effective export tariff, alongside targeted incentives, regulatory simplification and stronger quality and traceability standards. Ensuring secure access to secondary raw materials is essential to support investment, strengthen Europe’s recycling capacity and safeguard the competitiveness of the downstream aluminium industry.
The full interview is available here.
