From April 25th to 26th, more than 80 experts and industry representatives gathered at the AMAP Forum in Aachen. MAGMA GmbH provided the venue for the event, which was organized by Dr.-Ing. Peter von den Brincken and Dr.-Ing. Uwe Knaak, managing directors of AMAP GmbH – the Aluminum Cluster at RWTH Aachen University.The forum kicked off with three keynotes addressing economic policy perspectives, decarbonization scenarios, and global trends in the aluminum industry. The major challenge highlighted was decarbonization, requiring seamless processes and intensive research efforts. 

A highlight was the lively panel discussion focusing on the potential of recycling, particularly the recycling of pre-consumer scrap and the challenges of aluminum sorting. The industry is heavily investing in green technologies, though there is considerable debate over what defines "green" and how much consumers are willing to pay for more environmentally friendly products. The Product Carbon Footprint was suggested as a simple criterion. However, a credible certification would require an independent party. The roles of legislators and the public as drivers of transformation were also emphasized. 

The presentations on the first day covered topics like aluminum casting and sustainability. Magdalena Novak-Coventry from Toyota discussed the production of die-casting tools using 3D printing and emphasized the importance of partnerships for bringing innovations to market. Dr.-Ing. Christian Schwotzer from RWTH Aachen outlined the techno-economic potential of decarbonization and stressed the need for flexibility during the transition from fossil to green energy. On the second day,  innovations in metallurgical processes and production technologies were presented. Martin Fieweger from AMEPA showcased technologies for online measurement of surface roughness and oil film thickness, which are becoming increasingly important due to the complex design of automobiles. 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all AMAP member companies, participants, and speakers for making the AMAP Forum 2024 a resounding success. Your contributions and engagement were invaluable in driving forward the discussions and innovations in the aluminum industry. The AMAP Forum 2024 provided valuable insights and inspiration for the future of the aluminum industry, highlighting the importance of innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. 

We look forward to welcoming you to the next AMAP Forum in three years. To participate, ensure your company is a member of AMAP. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the leading discussions and advancements in the aluminum industry. 

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