SINTEF Releases Guide for Aluminium Dross Management
The new industry manual offers best practices to improve metal recovery and reduce waste in global aluminium production.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Chemistry
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SINTEF has published a new guide for the sustainable management of aluminium dross, commissioned by the International Aluminium Institute. The document compiles international technical knowledge to help stakeholders across the value chain minimize metal losses and enhance recycling efficiency.
Why it matters
Effective dross management is crucial for reducing environmental impacts and building circular value chains. By adopting these best practices, the industry aims to recover more metal from the byproduct that is currently removed from furnaces.
Global dross production rose to 3.27 million tonnes in 2024 from 2.66 million tonnes in 2019, while dross removed from furnaces can contain over 90 percent metal.
The players
SINTEF
SINTEF is a prominent independent research organization based in Norway that specializes in technology and industry sustainability.
International Aluminium Institute
The International Aluminium Institute is the global trade association representing the primary aluminium industry.
The details
The guide recommends specific strategies for reducing dross generation at the source, including improved cooling methods and the selection of appropriate recovery technologies. It provides a comprehensive framework for industry partners and trade associations to standardize dross treatment globally.
Timeline
2019: Global dross production totaled 2.66 million tonnes.
2024: Global dross production reached 3.27 million tonnes.
2024: Global primary aluminium production reached 71.4 million tonnes.
October 2026: SINTEF published the new management guide.
The Big Picture
This guide follows the pattern set by the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan by providing technical roadmaps to maximize resource recovery in industrial processes.
Improved dross management could lead to higher recycling yields, potentially lowering raw material costs for manufacturers in the long term. These efficiencies support the shift toward more sustainable production cycles for everyday consumer goods made from recycled aluminium.
The takeaway
Optimizing dross treatment is essential for recovering the high metal content typically lost in manufacturing waste. Industry players can implement these findings to directly improve recycling rates and reduce their environmental footprint.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industrial processes in our Chemistry section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by SINTEF.
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