Benefits
Joining a trade association such as FACE is valuable, as we offer resources that may otherwise be costly or inaccessible for individual SMEs. We also allow you, through collective representation, to participate in shaping our industry’s future.
Our key fight is for your competitiveness: reducing the cost of raw materials, calling for adequate financial support for SMEs, rejecting new bureaucratic and costly burdens such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, pushing for EU economic stimuli and subsidies, and for stronger defense instruments.
Here is a list of specific advantages that membership in FACE offers:
- Advocacy and policy influence:
We represent our members’ interests to policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
We advocate for favourable business conditions, funding opportunities, and reduced regulatory burdens. One of our main battles has been the lowering and eventual zeroing of import tariffs on unwrought aluminium. Currently, it is costing the downstream around 1 billion euros a year and most companies are unaware of this hidden cost. This directly affects them, as they pay an average of 100 euros more than they should for each tonne of primary or secondary aluminium they buy.
By engaging with lawmakers and raising public awareness, FACE reduces the need for individual companies to take public stances alone and allows us to address key industry issues collectively and strategically. This unified approach strengthens the industry’s influence on policy and decision-making and funding opportunities, benefiting all members.
- Industry knowledge and access to industry data:
FACE has 25 years of experience and industry research, market data, and trend analysis.
We have conducted and commissioned several studies that are available on our website. From 1994 to 2024, we have produced and fostered a unique set of research and analysis on the EU downstream aluminium sector, as well as on industry, trade, energy and environmental and geopolitical issues.
Understanding sectoral developments is valuable for any company planning strategic decisions and staying competitive.
- Visibility / promotion
FACE helps increase your visibility and creates promotional opportunities. This through our public communications putting your name and logo on our website and providing interview opportunities: in written form through our excellent relationship with A&L magazine (over 40 000 readers) and video form in select events, such as the upcoming 25 years celebration in Rome on 28 November 2024.
- Networking
Being a member of our network allows you to engage with other aluminium companies, industry peers, potential clients, and in the events we participate in or that we organise.
- Discounts and cost savings
FACE members get a discount on certain select event registrations. This can lead to small but valuable savings, especially for small or medium-sized enterprises.
- Joint candidatures
It’s easier to partner with other FACE members, such as companies and technology institutions, to form joint candidatures for EU research programmes and funding, such as Horizon Europe.
- Support with dispute resolution and legal advice
As a trade association officially recognized by the Belgian state (“union professionnelle”), FACE can provide dispute resolution services, helping companies navigate industry-specific legal issues without having to seek external resources independently.
- A membership fee tailored to each member
At FACE, we don’t believe one size fits all and we have solutions tailored to each individual member. Based on your size and annual turnover, the membership fee adapts to you.
Conclusion
To fight for your prosperity and green competitiveness, we invite you to join us!