Aluminium Stewardship Initiative: a new sustainable standard for the entire aluminium industry

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) was developed to define global standards along the entire aluminium value chain. Many stakeholders in the aluminium industry are involved, who pursue the common goal of creating more sustainability and transparency in the aluminium sector and promoting responsible aluminium production.

The "Responsible Aluminium Standard" combines ethical, ecological and social aspects along the entire aluminium value chain. It establishes measurable and continuous improvements in the most important environmental and social aspects. The aim is to increase acceptance of aluminium-containing products, especially among customers and partners, and to reduce negative environmental impacts through more efficient recycling.

The ASI standards apply to all stages of aluminium production and processing, especially:

• Bauxite Mining
• Alumina Refining
• Aluminium Smelting/Remelting/Refining
• Casthouses
• Semi-Fabrication & Material Conversion (rolling, extrusion, cutting, bending...)

The ASI certification is divided into two standards, the "ASI Performance Standard" and the “ASI Chain of Custody Standard". The mandatory "ASI Performance Standard" (PS) includes the examination of 11 points from the areas of governance, environment and social affairs. These requirements are facilitated if your company already hold certificates (ISO 14001, SAS 8000, ISO 37001, OHSAS 180001…). The Chain of Custody Standard (CoC) is voluntary and relates to the responsible design of supply chains.

Both standards were published in December 2017 and GUTcert was accredited shortly thereafter as the first certification and verification body in Germany for both standards. Our accreditation covers the relevant areas from alumina refining to material conversion. We are currently accredited for a few European countries and we can easily extend it to match further needs thanks to our AFNOR auditors worldwide.