Aluminium is a versatile and highly recyclable metal that is seeing growing demand in a wide range of sectors such as transport, construction, packaging and electronics. ASI's new Certification program will cover all stages of the value chain for aluminium, including bauxite mining, alumina refining, aluminium smelting, semi-fabrication, product design and manufacturing, and recycling.
Following today's launch, ASI members can now seek Certification against ASI's Standards. The ASI’s Performance Standard covers critical issues for the entire aluminium value chain including greenhouse gas emissions, waste management, material stewardship, biodiversity and human rights. ASI’s Chain of Custody (CoC) Standard links responsible production with responsible sourcing and thus increases the emphasis on sustainability issues in procurement. Implementation of both Standards should see the first ASI Aluminium available from 2018 or 2019.
ASI was incorporated as a not-for-profit entity in 2015, and has a global membership that is open to all interested organisations.
ASI's Standards Committee oversaw public consultation processes in 2016 and 2017 to develop and finalise the Standards, supporting Guidance and assurance model. ASI's Indigenous Peoples Advisory Forum liaises with the Board and two representatives participate in the Standards Committee.
Key topics such as biodiversity (including ecosystem services and protected areas), climate change, recycling, and human rights will continue to be the focus of ASI Working Groups, to prepare for future revisions of ASI Standards and Guidance and support peer learning.
The first ASI Accredited Auditors were announced in November 2017 and additional applications are in process. ASI's Standards have been launched in English and will be translated into a range of other languages in 2018.
Source:
aluminium-stewardship.org