Earlier this week the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) released its report on sustainable production in the global aluminium industry and the contributions the industry is making towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
In the report, which is entitled “The Aluminium Industry’s Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” several aspects of the global aluminium community are examined, including activities of specific companies, the overall benefit of using aluminium, and the activities to date of the IAI.
Additionally, the report details the aluminium industry’s effect upon all seventeen of the sustainable development goals (SDG), which help actors in the sector evaluate shortcomings and potential unaddressed opportunities in the aluminium sector.
In a press release announcing the report, Miles Prosser, IAI Secretary General said that it is meant to spark discussion on how best to go forward in a sustainable manner.
“Sustainable development and ESG issues are at the forefront of the metals and mining industry at present. With the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals as a framework, the aluminium industry, through the International Aluminium Institute, has evaluated its contribution across a comprehensive suite of global goals and targets. This analysis is intended to inform the industry’s understanding of its status and to encourage dialogue about measures that can be taken to accelerate action and progress over the coming decade.”
“Though the report provides a comprehensive reference for the industry and other stakeholders, there are clearly gaps that still need to be filled,” he continued. “The IAI will continue to engage with stakeholders to reflect on potential opportunities for the sector to progress this stream of work.”
The new report is the product of an IAI workshop last year as well as continued input from stakeholders and research utilizing publicly available data. IAI says the info reflects the significant activity in the aluminium sector, especially as it relates to sustainable development.
“The aluminium industry is a major contributor to our global economy, providing employment, infrastructure and billions of dollars in taxes to support livelihoods,” said Prosser. “But we recognise that as an industry, contributing to sustainable development requires both responsibility in producing the metal and realisation of the metal’s benefits through its use in sustainable applications. It also requires continued and collaborative efforts from all stakeholders along the value chain. IAI remains focused on building on this work and will continue to seek open dialogue with key stakeholders engaged in activities across the goals.”
