ALUMINIUM 2026 Highlights – what not to miss.
© ALUMINIUM / Jannik Hammes
Bar ohne Namen
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From Europe’s proposed new low-carbon smelter and automotive competitiveness to Formula 1 performance, recycling and industry innovation, these are the highlights for visitors in Düsseldorf at ALUMINIUM 2026.
DÜSSELDORF - With more than 800 exhibitors and partners expected at ALUMINIUM 2026, advance planning will be essential. Here are eleven highlights' visitors should build into their schedules.
ALUMINIUM Conference: Industrial Policy, Raw Materials and Markets
Organised in partnership with Aluminium Deutschland, the ALUMINIUM Conference in Hall 7a focuses on markets, trade, industrial policy and raw material supply. Additional topics include resilient supply chains and developments in key end-user industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction and packaging.
1. Europe’s industrial outlook opens the conference
Mona Neubaur, North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, will open the ALUMINIUM Conference on Tuesday 6 October in Hall 7a.
Her keynote will examine aluminium’s role in European industry and energy policy, setting the context for discussions throughout the event on competitiveness, decarbonisation and industrial resilience.
2. Plans for Europe’s first new primary smelter in more than 30 years
One of the opening day’s most closely watched sessions will come from Arctial, which will present plans for a 600,000-tonne primary aluminium smelter in Finland.
Designed to run on fossil-free electricity, the proposed development could become Europe’s first new primary aluminium smelter in more than three decades. The presentation takes place on Tuesday 6 October in the ALUMINIUM Conference Theatre in Hall 7a.
3. A closer look at automotive competitiveness
Can Europe’s automotive supply chain remain competitive while responding to tighter environmental requirements and intensifying global competition?
Senior representatives from Novelis and Constellium will address that question during a dedicated discussion on Tuesday 6 October. The session will explore the pressures affecting one of aluminium’s most important end-use markets and the choices facing European producers and suppliers.
4. Formula 1 lessons in high performance
On Wednesday 7 October, Formula 1 data scientist and strategist Neil Martin will present “Beyond Marginal Gains”.
Drawing on the data-led world of Formula 1, Martin will examine how the relentless pursuit of excellence is pushing the boundaries of high performance. The session will offer lessons for leaders and organisations looking to improve decision-making, execution and competitive advantage.
Sustainability & Recycling Conference: The issues shaping sustainable aluminium
The Sustainability and Recycling Conference, presented in partnership with CRU in Hall 6, will provide a concentrated programme covering the commercial, regulatory and technical issues shaping the sector.
5. CBAM moves from policy to practice
The EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is set to reshape international trade and aluminium supply chains.
Experts will examine the practical implications of implementation, assess its impact on market dynamics and discuss how companies can adapt to evolving regulatory requirements.
6. The future of carbon pricing
Carbon pricing is becoming an increasingly important factor in industrial decision-making and long-term investment planning.
Industry leaders, policymakers and sustainability experts will discuss emerging trends, regulatory developments and technological innovations that are shaping the future carbon pricing landscape.
7. Why transparency is becoming a competitive advantage
As aluminium becomes increasingly strategic for industries and economies, transparency across the value chain is gaining importance.
Industry representatives will explore how traceability, verified data and responsible sourcing can strengthen supply chains, reduce risk and help companies prepare for changing market and regulatory demands.
8. Less energy, less loss, lower emissions
Optimising aluminium chip processing offers significant opportunities to improve sustainability and resource efficiency.
Experts will demonstrate how advanced processing methods can reduce energy consumption, minimise metal losses and support more efficient remelting, helping manufacturers lower both costs and carbon emissions. The conference sessions are included with admission to ALUMINIUM 2026.
Visitors looking for practical solutions should also allow time for the Sustainability and Recycling Area in Hall 6 and 5. Its showcase and networking lounge will provide an efficient place to compare approaches to decarbonisation, recycling and the circular economy.
9. Two awards celebrating talent and innovation
The Women With Metal Awards will take place at 16:30 on Tuesday 6 October in the Conference Theatre in Hall 7a. The awards recognise women and their champions making a significant contribution across the industry.
At 16:30 on Wednesday 7 October, the same theatre will host the first ALUMINIUM Innovation Awards. The new awards will recognise achievements in three categories:
- Low-carbon manufacturing
- Product innovation
- Smart and connected manufacturing
Public voting is open ahead of the ceremony.
10. Specialist expertise across the exhibition halls
More than 800 exhibitors and partners are expected, spanning the aluminium value chain. Participating companies include Alcoa, AMAG, Emirates Global Aluminium, Hydro, Novelis, Rio Tinto, Speira and Trimet.
The Foundry, Primary, Surface, Magnesium and Sustainability Pavilions will make it easier to locate specialist technologies and expertise. Whilst the Danish, Norwegian and Aluminium Scandinavia pavilions will offer a direct route to Nordic suppliers and low-carbon capabilities.
Visitors are encouraged to use the exhibitor and product directories before the show to identify priority companies and arrange meetings in advance.
11. Where art meets manufacturing
“In Addition to Wear and Tear”, on display in Hall 7a, offers a different perspective on aluminium and industrial production. The exhibition brings art and manufacturing together, providing a cultural counterpoint to the event’s commercial and technical programme.
Plan your visit
ALUMINIUM 2026 will be open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily across Halls 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7a. Visitors can enter through Hall 6 or the South Entrance.
Advance three-day tickets cost €52, compared with €105 on site. The venue can be reached using the U78, U79 and U81 services or bus 722, and Düsseldorf Airport is approximately three kilometres away.
During the event, visitors can use ALUMINIUM NOW and the Colleqt QR function to navigate the exhibition, save contacts and collect information from exhibitors.
Further information:
Conference highlights:
https://www.aluminium-exhibition.com/germany/en-gb/blog/pressemitteilungen/first-conference-highlights.html
Women With Metal Awards:
https://www.aluminium-exhibition.com/germany/en-gb/visit/women-with-metal-awards.html
ALUMINIUM Innovation Awards and public voting:
https://www.aluminium-exhibition.com/germany/en-gb/visit/innovation-awards.html
Exhibitor and product directories:
https://www.aluminium-exhibition.com/germany/en-gb/visit/prepare-to-visit.html
Venue and travel information:
https://www.aluminium-exhibition.com/germany/en-gb/visit/venue-and-travel.html
Issued by:
ALUMINIUM Press Office, RX
Email: service.aluminium@rxglobal.com
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About ALUMINIUM
ALUMINIUM is the world’s leading event for the aluminium sector. Every two years, it brings together industry leaders in Düsseldorf, Germany, for a dedicated exhibition and conference, driving meaningful conversations, innovation and business ventures. Taking place 6–8 October 2026, this year’s edition focuses on sustainability, circular economy, and technological transformation. ALUMINIUM is the flagship of a global RX series for the aluminium industry, including ALUMINIUM USA in Louisville, ALUMINIUM China in Shanghai, and the new ALUMINIUM Arabia in Riyadh. www.aluminium-exhibition.com
About RX
RX is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 41 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com.