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50 Moments

IAI celebrates its 50th Anniversary

In 2022, the IAI ran a 50 Moments campaign to highlight key milestones in the development of today’s modern aluminium industry. Those within and external to the aluminium sector were invited to vote on their top 3 Moments from the list below. The results – as voted for by industry leaders and partners, peers and those working in, or fascinated by, the aluminium industry – are presented in a downloadable document here.

If you’d like to see the IAI’s journey in the 50 years, download this brochure.

You can follow the #50Moments campaign on LinkedIn and Twitter.

A turquoise background displays the text 'A New Metal' in dark grey and '1808' in bright yellow beneath it, capturing the moment aluminium was first isolated.
Aluminium – a new metal was identified by the English chemist Humphry Davy around 1807-1808 and named after ‘alum’ (‘alumen’ in Latin). Davy showed that alumina could be decomposed in an electric arc and reduced to an aluminium-iron alloy. However, he could not isolate the aluminium from the alloy. In 1854, a French chemist, Henri Deville, invented a commercial process for extracting aluminium from bauxite. The complexity of the extraction process made it a precious metal. Napoleon III first used aluminium in his household utensils.
A turquoise background displays the text 'A New Metal' in dark grey and '1808' in bright yellow beneath it, capturing the moment aluminium was first isolated.
The image captures a pivotal moment in history, with text on a blue gradient background. In large grey letters, it reads "Discovery of Aluminium Ore" and "1821" in smaller yellow letters below it.
The ore was discovered by geologist Pierre Berthier, in France. The rock was named bauxite after Les Baux, France, the area where it was found.
The image captures a pivotal moment in history, with text on a blue gradient background. In large grey letters, it reads "Discovery of Aluminium Ore" and "1821" in smaller yellow letters below it.
Orange background with the text "First Extraction of Aluminium" in dark gray, and "1825" in yellow below. Capture the pivotal moments when aluminium was first extracted.
Danish physician Hans Christian Oersted first extracted the metal by the electrolysis process.
Orange background with the text "First Extraction of Aluminium" in dark gray, and "1825" in yellow below. Capture the pivotal moments when aluminium was first extracted.
A yellow gradient background with the text "Electrical Cables" in grey and "1880" in blue located below it captures timeless moments.
Aluminium’s high electrical conductivity makes it suitable for electrical engineering. It is lighter and cheaper than copper, making it more popular for overhead power lines. The first aluminium wires were used around 1880 in Chicago, USA when the train station head replaced several hundred meters of outdoor copper wires with aluminium since he noticed that copper wires were corroding due to locomotive smoke. Since then aluminium usage has grown manifold in the electrical sector.
A yellow gradient background with the text "Electrical Cables" in grey and "1880" in blue located below it captures timeless moments.
Text in the image reads, "Washington Monument" in dark gray and "1884" in yellow, set against a pale green background, capturing moments of history in a timeless frame.
Completed in December 1884, the Washington Monument featured a top made of a 9-inch aluminium pyramid. The structure was made of 100 ounces of solid aluminium that protected the monument from lightning. The pyramid was the largest piece of aluminium to be used anywhere during that time.
Text in the image reads, "Washington Monument" in dark gray and "1884" in yellow, set against a pale green background, capturing moments of history in a timeless frame.
Gray background displaying the text "Discovery of Hall-Héroult Process" in dark gray font and "1886" in yellow font below it, marking one of the pivotal moments in aluminium production.
In 1886, American chemists Charles Martin Hall and Frenchman Paul Héroult, both 22 years old, invented the Hall–Héroult process. Before this discovery, aluminium was a precious metal. The Hall–Héroult invention brought aluminium into large-scale production and the race for a commercially viable route for aluminium won.
Gray background displaying the text "Discovery of Hall-Héroult Process" in dark gray font and "1886" in yellow font below it, marking one of the pivotal moments in aluminium production.
Orange background with gray text reading "Discovery of Bayer Process" and yellow text below it reading "1888". These moments marked a significant advancement in aluminium production.
Developed by Carl Josef Bayer in 1888, the Bayer Process is the principal industrial and most economical means of refining bauxite to produce alumina. It involves four steps viz. digestion, clarification, precipitation, and calcination. The process used today is practically the same as when it was discovered one hundred years ago and is used to produce nearly all the world’s alumina supply.
Orange background with gray text reading "Discovery of Bayer Process" and yellow text below it reading "1888". These moments marked a significant advancement in aluminium production.
A gradient pink background with the word "Eros" in gray and the year "1893" in yellow beneath it captures timeless moments.
At almost two and a half metres high, the Eros aluminium statue of Anteros, an Ancient Greek god, in Piccadilly Circus, London became the first large piece of art made from aluminium.
A gradient pink background with the word "Eros" in gray and the year "1893" in yellow beneath it captures timeless moments.
The image has a light blue gradient background with the text "Wright Brothers Flight 1903" written in dark gray and teal colors, capturing one of history’s aluminium-clad moments.
Aluminium’s high electrical conductivity makes it suitable for electrical enThe Wright Brothers made the first successful flight of The Wright Flyer in 1903 – seeing the start of the development of the aircraft industry being highly dependent on aluminium alloys. The US Army became the first American organisation to express interest in the aircraft developments of the Wright brothers. The Wright Military Flyer was sold to the US Army Signal Corps in July 1909 and became the world’s first military aircraft. This marked the beginning of the military aircraft industry being highly dependent on high strength aluminium alloys.
The image has a light blue gradient background with the text "Wright Brothers Flight 1903" written in dark gray and teal colors, capturing one of history’s aluminium-clad moments.
The image has a gradient orange background with the text "Invention of Duralumin" in gray and "1909" in yellow, centered in the image, capturing significant moments in aluminium history.
Alfred Wilm, a German metallurgist, extracted an aluminium alloy just as lightweight, but significantly harder, more durable and elastic. It was called duralumin and contained copper, manganese and magnesium.
The image has a gradient orange background with the text "Invention of Duralumin" in gray and "1909" in yellow, centered in the image, capturing significant moments in aluminium history.
A blue gradient background with the text "First Rolled Aluminium Product" in dark gray at the center and the year "1910" in yellow below it, capturing historic moments.
Robert Victor Neher took out a patent for the continuous rolling process and opened the first aluminium rolling plant in Kreuzlingen, Switzerland.
A blue gradient background with the text "First Rolled Aluminium Product" in dark gray at the center and the year "1910" in yellow below it, capturing historic moments.
Green gradient background with text in the center that reads, "First Use of Aluminium Foil" in large gray font. Below, in yellow numbers, is the momentous year "1911.
The Swiss chocolate Toblerone became the first product to use aluminium foil in 1911. To this day, Toblerone still uses aluminium foil for its products.
Green gradient background with text in the center that reads, "First Use of Aluminium Foil" in large gray font. Below, in yellow numbers, is the momentous year "1911.
Text on a light green background reads "Lockheed L-10" in dark gray and "1912" in light blue, capturing nostalgic moments of aviation history with a touch of aluminium grace.
In 1912, Allan Loughead established the Lockheed Aircraft Co., which created the first all-aluminium commercial aeroplane – the L-10 Electra, opening the doors to many other larger aircraft made of aluminium. The Constellation and the C-5A Galaxy were other pioneering aircraft created by Lockheed’s corporations.
Text on a light green background reads "Lockheed L-10" in dark gray and "1912" in light blue, capturing nostalgic moments of aviation history with a touch of aluminium grace.
An orange gradient background showcases the text "First Flight of All-Metal Aircraft" in dark gray font, with "1917" in light yellow font underneath, marking a significant moment in aviation history where aluminium played a crucial role.
In 1912, Allan Loughead established the Lockheed Aircraft Co., which created the first all-aluminium commercial aeroplane – the L-10 Electra, opening the doors to many other larger aircraft made of aluminium. The Constellation and the C-5A Galaxy were other pioneering aircraft created by Lockheed’s corporations.
An orange gradient background showcases the text "First Flight of All-Metal Aircraft" in dark gray font, with "1917" in light yellow font underneath, marking a significant moment in aviation history where aluminium played a crucial role.
Yellow background with the text "Empire State Building" in gray and "1931" underneath in blue, capturing moments of architectural grandeur framed by aluminum accents.
Aluminium was used in New York’s Empire State Building’s construction, which was finished in 1931. The building’s basic structure and components were completed using aluminium and the interior and lobby were finished with aluminium.
Yellow background with the text "Empire State Building" in gray and "1931" underneath in blue, capturing moments of architectural grandeur framed by aluminum accents.
Text on a teal background that reads, "Automotive Alloys - 6061" in dark gray lettering, with the year "1935" below it in yellow, capturing moments of aluminium innovation.
Aluminium alloy 6061 is a medium to high strength heat-treatable alloy developed in 1935, originally called ‘Alloy 61s’. It is one of the most extruded alloys known for its corrosion resistance and weldability. Its mechanical properties make it ideal for multiple applications in the transport, building and electrical sector.
Text on a teal background that reads, "Automotive Alloys - 6061" in dark gray lettering, with the year "1935" below it in yellow, capturing moments of aluminium innovation.
Yellow gradient background with the text "First Helicopter" in dark gray and "1939" in light blue below it, capturing a historic moment in aviation.
Igor Sikorsky invented and created the first viable helicopter and opened a new arm of the aircraft industry with high dependence on aluminium alloys. The world’s first practical helicopter – the VS-300 took flight at Stratford on 14 September 1939. Sikorsky also designed the S-42, the first flying boat to successfully navigate the rough Atlantic waters to Bermuda.
Yellow gradient background with the text "First Helicopter" in dark gray and "1939" in light blue below it, capturing a historic moment in aviation.
Text on a green gradient background reads "Aerospace Alloys - 7075" in large, dark gray font. Moments of history are captured below with "1943" written in smaller, yellow font, highlighting the significance of aluminium in aerospace advancements.
7075 aluminium alloy is an aluminium alloy with zinc as the primary alloying element and copper as secondary. It has excellent mechanical properties and exhibits good ductility, high strength and toughness. Its high strength makes it suitable for high-stress situations such as aerospace applications. Japan’s Sumitomo Metal secretly developed the 7075 in 1935. It was later introduced in 1943 by Alcoa before becoming standardised in 1945 for aerospace use.
Text on a green gradient background reads "Aerospace Alloys - 7075" in large, dark gray font. Moments of history are captured below with "1943" written in smaller, yellow font, highlighting the significance of aluminium in aerospace advancements.
Text on an orange gradient background reads "First Aluminium Foil Blister" in gray letters, capturing one of the defining moments of 1952 in yellow below it.
The first alufoil blister was utilised in 1952, becoming an ideal packaging solution for pharmaceuticals due to its protective properties against external factors. The format has also found new applications over the years, such as confectionery and chewing gum.
Text on an orange gradient background reads "First Aluminium Foil Blister" in gray letters, capturing one of the defining moments of 1952 in yellow below it.
Image with a plain grey-blue gradient background. The text "Standardisation of Alloys" is written in dark gray in the center, and "1954" is written in yellow below it, capturing key moments in aluminium history.
The aluminium industry worked together to design an alloys classification system and set up a procedure to set standards for existing alloys and a process to register new alloys. This progress expedited the development, manufacturing, selling and commerce of aluminium products and progress among producers and customers across the globe. The North American Aluminum Association (AA) created the designation system for wrought alloys in 1954. Later on, it was adopted by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) in 1970 for its simplicity and flexibility.
Image with a plain grey-blue gradient background. The text "Standardisation of Alloys" is written in dark gray in the center, and "1954" is written in yellow below it, capturing key moments in aluminium history.
Text on a light green background reads "TV Dinners - Aluminium Tray Ready Meals" in dark gray, followed by "1954 moments" in light blue.
In 1954, Swanson became the first company to mass-produce frozen meals called ‘Swanson TV Dinners’, providing the blueprint for today’s ready-made meals. Swanson’s TV Dinners married the increasing consumer appetite for using time-saving modern appliances with the longevity of a frozen meal. The food groups in a TV dinner were displayed neatly in a divided aluminium tray and heated up in a conventional oven.
Text on a light green background reads "TV Dinners - Aluminium Tray Ready Meals" in dark gray, followed by "1954 moments" in light blue.
Text on a yellow gradient background reading "First Operating Smelter in Southern Hemisphere" in dark gray font, with "1955" in light blue font beneath it. This marks one of the defining moments in the history of aluminium production.
The Bell Bay aluminium smelter is a unique part of Tasmanian and Australian history. Addressing the difficulties in importing aluminium during wartime, this joint venture became the first aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere when it began production in 1955.
Text on a yellow gradient background reading "First Operating Smelter in Southern Hemisphere" in dark gray font, with "1955" in light blue font beneath it. This marks one of the defining moments in the history of aluminium production.
Orange gradient background with "Sputnik" written in sleek gray text at the top center and "1957" in bold yellow below it, capturing historic moments.
The Sputnik satellite was constructed of aluminium alloys and was launched into space by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957. Aerospace aluminium alloys are designed to deal with sub-zero and extreme temperature conditions.
Orange gradient background with "Sputnik" written in sleek gray text at the top center and "1957" in bold yellow below it, capturing historic moments.
Text on a blue gradient background reads "Invention of the 'Pull-Tab'" in gray letters, with "1959" in yellow below it, marking one of the key moments in aluminium history.
Ermal Fraze designed the “pull-tab”, attaching an aluminium pull-ring lever with a rivet to a pre-scored wedge-shaped tab section of the can top, eliminating the need for a separate opener tool. It is most commonly used in cans.
Text on a blue gradient background reads "Invention of the 'Pull-Tab'" in gray letters, with "1959" in yellow below it, marking one of the key moments in aluminium history.
Text reading "Aluminium Beverage Cans" in gray font and "circa 1960" in yellow font on a gradient background transitioning from light blue to gray, capturing nostalgic moments.
Aluminium beverage cans first came on the scene in the late 50s/early 60s. Companies such as Coors Brewing Company, Kaiser Aluminium, Reynolds Metals Company and Royal Crown were the key players in the early days of aluminium beverage can production. The aluminium can was originally made with only two pieces — a body and an end, unlike the 3-piece steel cans, making 360-degree printing possible on the body of the can and making it lightweight and more recyclable. The first two-piece aluminium cans weighed approximately 85 grams – they now weigh approx. 15 grams.
Text reading "Aluminium Beverage Cans" in gray font and "circa 1960" in yellow font on a gradient background transitioning from light blue to gray, capturing nostalgic moments.
Text on a pink gradient background stating "First Aluminium Closures" in dark gray and "1964" in light yellow, capturing iconic moments in time.
STELVIN developed the aluminium closure in response to cork taint and shortage of corks in some areas, offering excellent preservation and protection for bottled beverages.
Text on a pink gradient background stating "First Aluminium Closures" in dark gray and "1964" in light yellow, capturing iconic moments in time.
Text on a light green background reading "Apollo 11 - Man on the Moon" in large dark gray letters, with "1969" written below in smaller blue-green letters, commemorating one of the defining moments in history.
In July 1969, the Apollo 11 spacecraft landed on the Moon with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. Aluminium was a critical material in the success of this mission. It was made of an aluminium honeycomb sandwich bonded between sheets of aluminium alloy. The Saturn V rocket that launched the spaceship was also constructed of aluminium due to its high strength and low weight characteristics.
Text on a light green background reading "Apollo 11 - Man on the Moon" in large dark gray letters, with "1969" written below in smaller blue-green letters, commemorating one of the defining moments in history.
Yellow background with the text "Boeing Jumbo" in gray uppercase letters at the center and "1969" in blue digits below it, capturing historic moments of aviation innovation—an era where aluminium revolutionized aircraft design.
The Boeing Aircraft Corporation, created in 1912, became a leader in developing the earliest all-aluminium alloy aircraft, including the B-314 in 1938 (among the early pioneering transatlantic flying boats), the B-707, in 1958, and the most iconic – the Jumbo Jet B-747 in 1969.
Yellow background with the text "Boeing Jumbo" in gray uppercase letters at the center and "1969" in blue digits below it, capturing historic moments of aviation innovation—an era where aluminium revolutionized aircraft design.
Scrap Friendly Alloys" text in dark gray on a gradient teal background, with "1970" in yellow below the main text, capturing moments in aluminium innovation.
As the aluminium sector realised the environmental, low cost and carbon footprints advantages of recycled aluminium – recycling friendly alloys started to be designed, manufactured and commercialised. This enabled the use of high recycled content in the final products with performance attributes comparable to that of primary based alloys – such as beverage can sheets.
Scrap Friendly Alloys" text in dark gray on a gradient teal background, with "1970" in yellow below the main text, capturing moments in aluminium innovation.
A yellow background with the text "Closed Loop Aluminium Can Recycling" in gray and "1970" in blue below it.
The closed-loop recycling of used beverage cans provides a cradle-to-cradle design framework that avoids the burden of primary aluminium while maintaining the material’s inherent properties. Closed-loop recycling sees a used aluminium can recycled and put back on the grocery shelf as a new can in as little as 60 days. Chicago and Cleveland, USA, saw the first aluminium can recycling plants built, in 1904. Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old, created the modern concept of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ with his Mobius Loop logo in 1970, therefore providing the basis for closed-loop recycling of aluminium cans.
A yellow background with the text "Closed Loop Aluminium Can Recycling" in gray and "1970" in blue below it.
Text on a green gradient background reads, "International Primary Aluminium Institute Established 1972." The main text is in dark gray, while "1972" is in yellow, marking significant moments in the history of aluminium.
In 1972 the International Primary Aluminium Institute (IPAI) was formed by leading aluminium producers. The initial aim was to publish credible statistics on global aluminium production and foster collaboration on key environmental issues and other shared purposes. Renamed the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) in 2000, the activities have expanded to include a broader range of statistics, collaboration on issues covering all aspects of sustainability, as well as promotion of the industry and its products.
Text on a green gradient background reads, "International Primary Aluminium Institute Established 1972." The main text is in dark gray, while "1972" is in yellow, marking significant moments in the history of aluminium.
A pink background with the text: "European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) Founded" in gray and "1974" in yellow, capturing significant moments in the industry.
The formation of EAFA has been instrumental in the promotion of alufoil products to a wider audience, with roots in associations dating back to 1920.
A pink background with the text: "European Aluminium Foil Association (EAFA) Founded" in gray and "1974" in yellow, capturing significant moments in the industry.
Moments captured: Text reading 'Aluminium Contracts on the LME 1978' on a gradient blue background.
The London Metal Exchange (LME) was established in 1877 to cater to the metal needs of British industries. Established as the London Metal Market and Exchange Company, LME has grown into the world’s largest marketplace for non-ferrous metals – including aluminium. Aluminium contracts were introduced in 1978 and account for about a third of all contracts made on the LME.
Moments captured: Text reading 'Aluminium Contracts on the LME 1978' on a gradient blue background.
An image with an orange gradient background and the text "Aluminium in Motor Vehicles" in gray. Below that, "1980" is written in yellow, capturing moments of innovation.
Growing demand for fuel economy, lightweight automobiles and electric vehicles have significantly increased the shift towards aluminium and its alloys. Aluminium’s share in the overall weight of an average car has constantly risen – from 35 kg in the 1970s to about 152 kg presently. Ford created a milestone by switching its F-150 truck body to aluminium and launching its Ford aluminium F-150 in 2015. The body was made from military-grade aluminium alloy that made the truck 700 pounds lighter and more fuel-efficient. The all-aluminium truck improved Ford’s sales. The Ford F-series continued to be the US’s best-selling pickup truck.
An image with an orange gradient background and the text "Aluminium in Motor Vehicles" in gray. Below that, "1980" is written in yellow, capturing moments of innovation.
The image has a light blue background with the text "Commodity Trading" in dark gray and "1980" in a lighter blue below it, capturing moments in aluminium market history.
The dominance of historical producers has declined since the 1980s as new producers have appeared on the scene and the producer-dominated pricing system has declined. The concentration of capacity among the ‘big six’ started dwindling. Aluminium became an exchange commodity with standardised consumer attributes. The market price of aluminium is now determined by the official LME price, regional premium that depends on the availability of the metal in a specific market, and commodity markup depending on the type of commodity.
The image has a light blue background with the text "Commodity Trading" in dark gray and "1980" in a lighter blue below it, capturing moments in aluminium market history.
The image has a light green gradient background with the words "Financial Instruments" in dark gray centered at the top. Below it, the year "1980" is displayed in light blue, capturing a piece of history from those significant moments in time.
The aluminium market has benefitted from participants who are neither producers nor consumers of the metal. They are the financial participants who provide liquidity through market making or investing in the metal. Financial futures markets started operating in the 1970s and 1980s. Financial institutions and investors play a key role in influencing LME prices.
The image has a light green gradient background with the words "Financial Instruments" in dark gray centered at the top. Below it, the year "1980" is displayed in light blue, capturing a piece of history from those significant moments in time.
A gradient background shifting from yellow to gold with bold gray text saying, "Aluminium Companies Develop Downstream" and a smaller turquoise text below saying, "1985 - Moments in Aluminium.
The leading aluminium firms responded differently to the market changes in aluminium after the 1980s when the primary aluminium production base started shifting out of historic regions. The emphasis moved from producing standardised ‘commodity’ aluminium to more specialised products with higher value-added – either complex aluminium-containing materials or downstream products. This led to the development of the downstream industry in the west and the emergence of a consumer market.
A gradient background shifting from yellow to gold with bold gray text saying, "Aluminium Companies Develop Downstream" and a smaller turquoise text below saying, "1985 - Moments in Aluminium.
Green background with dark text stating "Recycled Aluminium from Scrap" and the year "1995" in yellow text below it, capturing moments of sustainable innovation.
Aluminium’s high electrical conductivity makes it suitable for electrical eThe process of recycling aluminium involves re-melting the metal, which is less energy-intensive than producing new aluminium from bauxite. Aluminium scrap recycling requires about 5% of the energy needed to produce new aluminium from the ore while maintaining its properties. The global aluminium industry saw a significant increase in the availability of aluminium scrap from 1995. Global recycled aluminium production increased from just 9 million tonnes in 1995 to 21 million tonnes in 2010, to 33 million tonnes in 2020.
Green background with dark text stating "Recycled Aluminium from Scrap" and the year "1995" in yellow text below it, capturing moments of sustainable innovation.
Text on a yellow background reading, "The Book 'Aluminum: Technology, Applications, and Environment' 1998" in dark gray letters and "1998" in light blue below, capturing the pivotal moments in aluminium history.
Authored by Dietrich Altenpohl, and jointly published in 1998 by The Aluminum Association and The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society (TMS), this book has played a critical role in communicating the advantages and benefits of aluminium and its alloys as engineering materials. Dr Rodney Hannemann notes in the Forward that this book serves as the benchmark and reference for years to come for the use of aluminium and its alloys in numerous applications, such as aerospace, construction, infrastructure and transportation.
Text on a yellow background reading, "The Book 'Aluminum: Technology, Applications, and Environment' 1998" in dark gray letters and "1998" in light blue below, capturing the pivotal moments in aluminium history.
Development of 500 kA Cells 2000” written in dark grey text on a light green background captures moments in the evolution of aluminium technology.
The 500 kA pot was a significant milestone in improving the prebaked cells technology, which raised potline amperages by 900% to 500kA from the 1940 vintage 50 kA cells. Aluminium Pechiney designed and built the first 500 kA pot in the year 2000 and perfected the technology over the following two decades.
Development of 500 kA Cells 2000” written in dark grey text on a light green background captures moments in the evolution of aluminium technology.
A gray-to-blue gradient background with the text "Solar Panels" written in dark gray at the top and the year "2000" in yellow below it. The years from 2000 to 2023 are displayed in yellow, capturing key moments as an image of solar panels and a plant sprout appear over time, framed by sleek aluminium edges.
Bell Laboratories produced the first efficient silicon solar cell in 1954. Since then, aluminium alloys are a key material in the construction and structure of photovoltaic solar systems. Aluminium’s lightweight and electrical conductivity makes it a preferable material to use.
A gray-to-blue gradient background with the text "Solar Panels" written in dark gray at the top and the year "2000" in yellow below it. The years from 2000 to 2023 are displayed in yellow, capturing key moments as an image of solar panels and a plant sprout appear over time, framed by sleek aluminium edges.
Text "PFC Emission Reductions" in dark gray, centered on a gradient orange background. The text "2000" is positioned below in lighter yellow, capturing moments of environmental progress in the aluminium industry.
Total PFC emissions were reduced by 38% in the global aluminium industry (46% by IAI member companies) from 1990 to 2000 while primary production increased by 24%. Voluntary programs have been effective in reducing PFC emissions. Further, it has reduced from 1.6 ton/tAl in 2008 to 1.2ton/tAl in 2018.
Text "PFC Emission Reductions" in dark gray, centered on a gradient orange background. The text "2000" is positioned below in lighter yellow, capturing moments of environmental progress in the aluminium industry.
Text reads "Working with Indigenous Communities" in large dark gray letters on a light teal background, capturing significant moments, with "2001" written in smaller light teal letters below.
Australia’s bauxite mining industry has worked collaboratively for many years with the traditional owners of the land. In 2001, 11 Traditional Owner groups entered into an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) over the mining lease areas with bauxite miner Comalco (who later became Rio Tinto, Weipa). The agreement was called the Western Cape Communities Co-Existence Agreement (WCCCA) and has resulted in many changes in bauxite mine operations. One significant change is the 25% indigenous employment rate at Weipa, one of the world’s largest mines. This is one of the greatest examples of the coexistence of industry and culture.
Text reads "Working with Indigenous Communities" in large dark gray letters on a light teal background, capturing significant moments, with "2001" written in smaller light teal letters below.
Text on a gradient background reads: "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Benefits Moments Aluminium 2003" in black and blue font.
The aluminium industry was the pioneer in using Life Cycle Assessment methods to demonstrate sustainability credentials in the automotive sector. The global life cycle analysis of aluminium was first released in 2003. Primary aluminium is more energy-intensive to produce, but it turned out to be less energy-intensive considering the three stages of LCA-Production, Usage and Recycling. Using 90% plus recycled content from post-consumer scrap and calculating that over the lifetime use on the road, aluminium-intensive cars turn out to be less energy-intensive than steel.
Text on a gradient background reads: "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Benefits Moments Aluminium 2003" in black and blue font.
A yellow gradient background highlights the text "Material Flow Analysis - 75% of Aluminium Still in Use" in gray and "2005" in light blue, capturing significant moments in aluminium utilization.
A major achievement in the pursuit of global environmental sustainability is aluminium’s ability to retain its properties after repeated recycling with just 5% of the energy needed to make new aluminium. Aluminium is one of the most recycled and recyclable materials used today and is tailor-made for a circular and sustainable economy. A global material flow model for the aluminium industry was available from 2005 and has become the basis for the fact that 75% of aluminium ever produced is still in use today due to the infinite recyclability and longevity of the metal.
A yellow gradient background highlights the text "Material Flow Analysis - 75% of Aluminium Still in Use" in gray and "2005" in light blue, capturing significant moments in aluminium utilization.
A gradient blue background with the text "The MacBook" in gray and "2008" in yellow, capturing iconic moments with its sleek aluminium design.
In 2008, Apple introduced the aluminium unibody style for its MacBook Pro line that was carved out of a single block of aluminium alloy and abandoned its black and white plastic casings. In 2018, Apple launched the MacBook Air – ‘The Greenest Mac Ever’, from an aluminium alloy made of 100% recycled aluminium from the used beverage can scrap. It is an example of 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
A gradient blue background with the text "The MacBook" in gray and "2008" in yellow, capturing iconic moments with its sleek aluminium design.
Yellow gradient background with the text "Development of Inert Anode Technology" in the center, written in grey. Below this, the year "2010" is displayed in light blue, marking a pivotal moment in aluminium innovation.
Inert Anode is a technology that involves an anode that is insoluble in the electrolyte during electrolysis. Inert anodes do not get corroded and release oxygen instead of CO2. This technology is a pathbreaker in lowering CO2eq emissions during the aluminium smelting process. Research on inert anode technology started around 1985 and saw a demonstration at the plant level after 2010. A number of companies are aiming to commercialise an inert anode electrolysis process in the next few years.
Yellow gradient background with the text "Development of Inert Anode Technology" in the center, written in grey. Below this, the year "2010" is displayed in light blue, marking a pivotal moment in aluminium innovation.
Text on a green gradient background: "Global Moments in Aluminium Production, 2010" with "2010" highlighted in yellow.
Since 2000, there has been a gradual shift of primary aluminium production base, especially from North America to Asia, mostly driven by better availability of raw materials, labour and energy sources. The shift became apparent after 2010 with the emergence of China. However, The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and India have also seen immense growth in primary aluminium in the last two decades. Both the regions now contribute about 15% of the global aluminium production. Australia, Jamaica, and Guinea gained prominence because of the bauxite reserves and as key exporters of the ore.
Text on a green gradient background: "Global Moments in Aluminium Production, 2010" with "2010" highlighted in yellow.
Text that reads "Orion Spacecraft" in gray font and "2014" in yellow font, both on a gradient background transitioning from light blue on the left to darker blue on the right, capturing moments of innovation.
NASA’s Orion MPCV is a new spaceship for humans designed to visit destinations such as the Moon and Mars under a NASA plan called Artemis. The structural backbone of the crew module is called the pressure vessel, made of an aluminium-lithium alloy, which gives the body strength while reducing weight. This aluminium alloy spaceship was test-launched in December 2014 and Artemis is expected to launch in 2022.
Text that reads "Orion Spacecraft" in gray font and "2014" in yellow font, both on a gradient background transitioning from light blue on the left to darker blue on the right, capturing moments of innovation.
A graphic with an orange gradient background displays the text "China makes 50% of Global Aluminium" in gray, and "2015" in yellow, capturing a significant moment in the aluminium industry.
China’s primary aluminium production surged from around 16 million tonnes in 2010 to 26.5 million tonnes in 2013 and accounted for 50% of the world’s total production. China’s aluminium production continues to grow – 39 million tonnes in 2021, about 58% of total global production.
A graphic with an orange gradient background displays the text "China makes 50% of Global Aluminium" in gray, and "2015" in yellow, capturing a significant moment in the aluminium industry.
Text on an orange gradient background that reads, "First EU Funded Bauxite Residue Utilisation Research 2015," capturing a significant moment in aluminium innovation.
The European Union (EU) funds bauxite residue utilisation research under the EU Horizon 2020 initiative. Funding supports PhDs studies into waste valorisation and the ReActiv project exploring bauxite residue in supplementary cementitious materials.
Text on an orange gradient background that reads, "First EU Funded Bauxite Residue Utilisation Research 2015," capturing a significant moment in aluminium innovation.
Image with a pink background displaying the text "First ASI Certifications Issued" in dark gray and "2018" in yellow, capturing a significant moment in the aluminium industry.
The first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Certifications for the Performance Standard and for the Chain of Custody Standards were issued. The ASI program continued to grow strongly during this and subsequent years.
Image with a pink background displaying the text "First ASI Certifications Issued" in dark gray and "2018" in yellow, capturing a significant moment in the aluminium industry.
Text on a blue gradient background reads, "Inert Anode: Emission Reducing ELYSIS Process Introduced 2021, marking significant moments in the aluminium industry.
The production of aluminium at the ELYSIS Industrial Research and Development Center marks the achievement of a significant milestone – using a full industrial design at a size comparable to a small smelting cell in operation today. ELYSIS brings carbon-free aluminium smelting a step closer and aims to have its technology available for installation from 2024.
Text on a blue gradient background reads, "Inert Anode: Emission Reducing ELYSIS Process Introduced 2021, marking significant moments in the aluminium industry.
Text reads, "Aluminium Sector Greenhouse Gas Pathways to 2050 2021," on a gradient background transitioning from light green at the top to pale yellow at the bottom. The main text is in dark gray, while "2021" is in light blue, capturing pivotal moments for the aluminium industry.
The aluminium industry sets out three credible and realistic approaches to emissions reductions in line with the International Energy Agency’s Beyond 2 Degree Scenario. The pathways, based on IAI unrivalled data and leading analysis of the global aluminium industry, are 1) Electricity decarbonisation; 2) Direct Emissions; and 3) Recycling and resource efficiency.
Text reads, "Aluminium Sector Greenhouse Gas Pathways to 2050 2021," on a gradient background transitioning from light green at the top to pale yellow at the bottom. The main text is in dark gray, while "2021" is in light blue, capturing pivotal moments for the aluminium industry.
Text reads 'First Aluminium Sustainability Label Using Blockchain Technology, 2021' on a gradient green background, capturing innovative moments in aluminium.
Rio Tinto is setting a new standard in transparency and traceability for the aluminium industry with the launch of START. START helps customers meet the demand for consumer transparency on where and how the products they purchase are made. It provides information about the site where the aluminium is produced and covers criteria such as carbon footprint, water use, recycled content and energy sources.
Text reads 'First Aluminium Sustainability Label Using Blockchain Technology, 2021' on a gradient green background, capturing innovative moments in aluminium.
A round logo commemorating 50 years of the International Aluminium Institute from 1972 to 2022. The text "50 YEARS" is prominently displayed, with "International Aluminium" beneath it and "1972-2022" at the bottom. A globe icon is integrated into the "50," capturing significant moments in aluminium history.
An intricate, spherical metal sculpture composed of intersecting aluminium rods, creating a geometric lattice structure.

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