The multinational Novelis has launched a research and development laboratory to promote carbon-neutral solutions for aluminum manufacturing, together with local energy distributor OIKEN and HES-SO Valais-Wallis in collaboration with EPFL of the Swiss research and innovation center Energypolis Campus. One of the first benefits will be the procurement by Net Zero Lab Valais and Novelis Sierre of carbon-neutral solutions for aluminum manufacturing.
Specifically, that laboratory, called Net Zero Lab Valais, is based at Novelis’ manufacturing site in Sierre, Switzerland. Researchers are currently seeking solutions for carbon-neutral aluminum production processes with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality at the facility for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030.
Emilio Braghi, executive vice president of Novelis Inc. and president of Novelis Europe points out that “we will develop innovative solutions that we can then implement on a wider scale at our different production sites around the world, while continuing to work simultaneously to increase the recycled content in our products to offer the lowest total carbon footprint for aluminum foil” to which he adds that “we are very proud to have such strong and experienced partners as HES-SO Valais-Wallis, EPFL and OIKEN by our side to drive carbon neutral production for rolled aluminum”.
For his part, Pierre Labat, senior vice president, chief strategy and sustainability officer of Novelis Inc further stresses that “this partnership underscores our commitment to carbon neutrality and we look forward to the research enabling further innovation to advance our purpose of shaping a sustainable world together.”
Finally, Net Zero Lab Valais will further launch an ecosystem for the region. It will also be a further step towards achieving Novelis’ sustainability goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, while increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste and supporting the communities where it has operations.
