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May, 2025
Driving sustainability in the global aluminium industry
Strategic commitment to sustainability: Assan Alüminyum focuses on renewable energy, recycling, reducing carbon emissions, and a greener supply chain.
“When I tell my children I work at a company that helps protect the environment, it makes me proud,” says Hüseyin, an operator who has been with Assan Alüminyum for over 19 years. “It’s not just about making aluminium. It’s about doing it the right way, thinking about the future.”
Hüseyin’s words reflect the growing awareness and pride among employees at every level of Assan Alüminyum, a subsidiary of the Kibar Group and a big aluminium foil producer in Europe. This sense of purpose has become a powerful driver behind the company’s sustained growth and its position in sustainability within the global aluminium industry.
With a strong and growing presence in international markets, including through its wholly-owned subsidiary Kibar Americas in Chicago, Assan Alüminyum is strengthening its foothold in North America while continuing to deliver seamless service to partners across the region.
Navigating global shifts with a long-term vision
In a period marked by economic slowdown in developed economies and shifting trade dynamics globally, Assan Alüminyum remains focused on sustainable expansion. “Our vision extends beyond short-term market fluctuations. We are dedicated to long-term strategic growth, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability while addressing the evolving needs of our industry,” says Göksal Güngör, General Manager of Assan Alüminyum.
This commitment is not merely reactive – it is embedded in the company's DNA, as the company stresses. Sustainability is not just a buzzword at Assan Alüminyum; it is deeply embedded in its corporate philosophy, guiding everything from investment decisions to innovation and product development.
Sustainability at the core of growth
Aluminium, with its unique properties – lightweight, endlessly recyclable, impermeable, and highly conductive – is a material uniquely positioned to support the global transition toward a circular economy. It plays a critical role in enabling more sustainable practices across industries such as automotive, packaging, HVAC, construction, and consumer durables.
Assan Alüminyum leverages these advantages, enabling its business partners to enhance their sustainability efforts, while also transforming its own operations. The company has laid out a clear and ambitious decarbonisation roadmap with specific milestones: reaching a carbon intensity of 7 t CO₂e/t by 2030, 3 t CO₂e/t by 2035, and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
Strategic sustainability development
This roadmap is anchored by three strategic pillars: prioritising renewable energy, increasing the use of secondary aluminium through recycling-friendly product design and sourcing raw materials with lower carbon footprints.
To further its commitment to sustainability, Assan Alüminyum has made substantial investments in renewable energy production. The company owns and operates two power plants – the Manavgat hydroelectric power plant and the Karaman solar power plant – which enable it to fully balance its Scope 2 emissions through International Renewable Energy Certificates (IRECs). “Investing in renewable energy is not just a responsibility but a strategic decision that aligns with our long-term vision of leading the industry in sustainable manufacturing,” says Güngör.
Innovation driving a circular economy
Assan Alüminyum is also pioneering sustainable product development, crafting materials that enhance energy efficiency while minimising environmental impact. By integrating the use of a higher secondary aluminium content into its production processes, the company is advancing the principles of a circular economy and reducing resource consumption in some of the new products designed at its R&D centre. Through continuous research and development, it is driving innovation in both sustainable aluminium production and in continuous casting technology.
In addition to its direct sustainability initiatives, Assan Alüminyum plays an active role in fostering a greener supply chain. Under the umbrella of the Kibar Group, the company has implemented the K-STAR Supplier Sustainability Program, a comprehensive initiative aimed at evaluating and improving sustainability practices among suppliers. This program has already assessed approximately 7,000 suppliers across 59 sectors in 41 countries, ensuring a collective commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Financial and industry recognition
Assan Alüminyum’s sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed. It recently secured a USD90 million green loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which will support its continued investments in sustainable infrastructure and operations. This funding underscores the company’s dedication to driving positive environmental impact while continuing to serve strategic industries worldwide.
The company has also been recognised for its sustainability performance through international certifications and ratings. Assan Alüminyum is committed to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standards, ensuring its operations meet the highest global sustainability benchmarks set for the whole aluminium value chain. Additionally, the company has achieved an above-industry-average CDP score of B, demonstrating excellence in managing climate-related risks, water security, and deforestation concerns.
Shaping the future of aluminium
Assan Alüminyum’s vision is rooted in its core values – reliability, flexibility, innovation, and sustainability. These values guide its ambition to create a more sustainable future for the aluminium industry and beyond. “We are committed to shaping an ecosystem where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. By collaborating with our business partners and stakeholders, we aim to drive meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable world,” concludes Güngör.
As the global aluminium industry continues to evolve, Assan Alüminyum remains steadfast in its mission to pioneer sustainable growth and innovation. The company invites industry stakeholders to join in its efforts to advance sustainable practices, ensuring a resilient and environmentally responsible future for the aluminium sector.
