Aluminium as the Material of the Future. Opportunities, Solutions and Strategic Debates at ALUMINIUM 2026
Aluminium is a material with a promising future. Demand continues to grow, driven by electrification, the energy transition and digital infrastructure. At the same time, decarbonisation, new regulatory requirements and the search for secure raw material sources are reshaping the framework for production, procurement and investment.
These topics are at the heart of ALUMINIUM 2026. As the world’s leading trade show for the aluminium industry, it will bring together the entire value chain in one place from 6 to 8 October. More than 800 exhibitors and partners, alongside over 21,000 industry professionals from more than 100 countries, are expected in Düsseldorf.
The Industry’s Key Topics on Two Conference Stages
Competitiveness, raw material security, energy supply and decarbonisation are among the most pressing challenges facing the aluminium industry. Through two dedicated conference stages, ALUMINIUM 2026 brings together leading voices from industry, politics and academia to discuss the issues shaping the sector’s future. Access to both conferences is included in the exhibition ticket.
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.
The programme will be opened by Mona Neubaur, Deputy Minister-President and Minister for Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia. Further sessions will explore aluminium’s role in European industrial and energy policy, as well as the outlook for a competitive and secure aluminium supply in Europe.
In the Aluminium Alliance session, ”Why Aluminium Matters: Industrial Strength, Regional Value and Europe’s Future”, experts will examine the strategic importance of aluminium for Europe’s industrial future. Another key focus is raw material supply: Maxime Vandersmissen (Arctial) will present plans for a new primary aluminium smelter in Finland, powered by fossil-free electricity. The project could become the first facility of its kind in Europe in more than three decades and provide new momentum for European aluminium production.
Sustainability & Recycling Conference: Turning Ambitions into Action
Developed together with CRU, the Sustainability & Recycling Conference in Hall 6 focuses on practical strategies for decarbonisation, circularity and resilient supply chains.
Topics include carbon regulation and CBAM, supply-chain transparency, hydrogen in aluminium production, and the impact of the energy transition and artificial intelligence on future demand. The programme highlights how companies can turn sustainability ambitions into commercially viable business opportunities.
The Entire Value Chain in One Place
From raw materials and semi-finished products to machinery, equipment, surface technology, software, recycling and circular economy solutions, the six halls of ALUMINIUM bring together international market leaders, specialist suppliers and innovative companies in one location.
Those looking for technologies to support ongoing production or investment projects can connect directly with manufacturers, service providers and business partners. Rather than comparing datasheets, attendees can discuss requirements and solutions face-to-face, often with the people shaping the next generation of materials and manufacturing processes.
Awards Celebrating Innovation and Diversity
For the first time, the ALUMINIUM Innovation Awards, developed together with the International Aluminium Journal, will recognise pioneering achievements in sustainable production, product and technology innovation, and smart manufacturing.
The Women with Metal Awards return following their successful debut in 2024. The awards honour women shaping the global aluminium industry, as well as individuals and organisations committed to advancing diversity, visibility and progress across the sector.
Why Visit?
Whether your focus is material selection, procurement, manufacturing or investment planning, ALUMINIUM 2026 brings together technologies, market intelligence and industry contacts from across the entire value chain over three days.
Learn more and secure your ticket: https://rxglb.co/usjK6
