A new laboratory for research and development to advance carbon-neutral solutions for aluminium manufacturing has been launched in Switzerland.

Aluminium rolling and recycling company Novelis and HES-SO Valais-Wallis have signed a long term agreement, in collaboration with Swiss innovation and research hub EPFL of Energypolis Campus and energy distributor OIKEN for the Net Zero Lab Valais, which will be located at Novelis’ plant in Sierre.

They will focus on identifying and implementing innovative solutions to neutralise the carbon footprint of Novelis‘ manufacturing operations and neighbouring communities, with the aim to reach carbon-neutrality for Scope 1 and 2 emissions at the plant by 2030.

The lab will conduct a study to identify decarbonisation solutions and will launch an ecosystem by which Novelis, in collaboration with OIKEN, will share the energy from its Sierre plant with the surrounding area, helping lower the area as well as the manufacturing site’s carbon footprint.

Novelis previously committed to achieveing net zero emissions by 2050.

Emilio Braghi, Executive Vice President, Novelis Inc and President, Novelis Europe said: “We are working relentlessly on reducing all emissions at our sites, in our supply chain and in the energy we use.

“The Net Zero Lab Valais is another lever for increasing energy efficiency, reducing waste and supporting our communities. We will develop innovative solutions that we can later implement on a broader scale at our different production sites across the globe, while we simultaneously continue to work on increasing the recycled content in our products to deliver the lowest total carbon footprint for aluminium sheet. We are very proud to have such strong and experienced partners as HES-SO Valais-Wallis, EPFL and OIKEN at our side to drive carbon neutral production.”