[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/www.hjhansen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Top-banner-alluminium.png” max_width=”1350px” height=”270px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”50px||15px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”50px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”27px||4px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||50px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||30px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”28px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font_size=”18px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The EU is currently considering export restrictions on aluminium scrap leaving the Union. The aim is reasonable \u2014 to keep more resources within the EU \u2014 but the expected approach would harm the value chain and weaken the circular economy.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Commentary published in WasteTech by Marianne Ladekarl Thygesen, Head of Environmental Policy at HJHansen Recycling Group.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Aluminium is strategically important to the EU\u2019s green transition. Recycled aluminium requires significantly less energy than primary production and is therefore crucial for both the climate and industry. But export restrictions do not create a single additional kilogram of aluminium scrap. They do not increase collection, and there is no guarantee that they will improve sorting technology or build new European treatment capacity. Instead, they harm the part of the value chain that is already delivering on the circular economy.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_testimonial author=”Marianne Ladekarl Thygesen” job_title=”Head of Environmental Policy” company_name=”HJHansen Recycling Group” portrait_url=”https:\/\/www.hjhansen.dk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Marianne-Thygesen-500-x-500-px.png” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”gcid-a93f2103-1d8b-43bb-b21d-81d84bba8b15″ global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-a93f2103-1d8b-43bb-b21d-81d84bba8b15%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n -The EU faces a genuine challenge: Europe\u2019s aluminium industry is under pressure from high energy costs, intensified global competition and the need to transition to lower CO\u2082 emissions. But if we want to keep resources in the EU, we must address the real problems rather than resort to the kind of symptomatic treatment that export restrictions would represent.<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_testimonial][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Global trade is essential for aluminium recycling As the European market stands today, it cannot absorb all grades of aluminium scrap. There is a mismatch between supply and demand. If an export duty is introduced, recycling companies will have fewer opportunities to sell their material. In practical terms, this will lead to lower earnings without any noticeable environmental benefit.<\/p>\n Developments in recycling and the requirements placed on it demand investment in new technology. The recycling industry is a major driver of this development, which makes sufficient financial capacity essential. Economic losses in the sector will set the circular economy back.<\/p>\n A large share of the aluminium scrap generated in the EU is already recycled within the EU, benefiting the entire sector. However, it is essential that the market be allowed to regulate itself so that aluminium is recycled where there is demand. In the EU, we have seen major industries such as the automotive sector reduce production in recent years. If this trend continues, demand will fall further. We must support the aluminium sector in the EU Similarly, support for the energy transition and technological development, as well as reductions in energy taxes, can contribute to better long-term framework conditions for the EU\u2019s aluminium industry. These are measures that we at HJHansen Recycling support.<\/p>\n Aluminium scrap must never be exported from the EU as a waste problem. It should only be exported for the purpose of supporting the circular economy. We therefore welcome the forthcoming requirements for audits of waste treatment facilities outside the EU before waste may be exported. A stronger focus on standards for treatment facilities outside the EU will also strengthen recycling within the EU.<\/p>\n
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Only when aluminium scrap can move freely across borders is it possible to achieve the highest-value use. This ensures that the material can reach the markets and processes best suited to its quality.<\/p>\n
There is still a long way to go before the EU\u2019s aluminium sector can absorb the full volume and the entire range of aluminium scrap grades. Until that happens, there is no prospect of keeping all aluminium scrap within the EU.<\/p>\n
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At HJHansen Recycling, we fully recognise the intention to strengthen the aluminium sector, but the initiatives must benefit the entire EU value chain or, at the very least, not leave parts of it worse off. Measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which imposes a charge on imported goods equivalent to the CO\u2082 costs they would have incurred if produced in the EU, benefit the entire value chain \u2014 unlike an export duty.<\/p>\n