Novelis takes a higher flight path at the Paris Air Show 2025

Novelis, the world leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, is adding lift to flights in innovative ways. This Aditya Birla Group aluminium major is playing a significant role in driving sustainability and innovation across the aerospace supply chain.

In 2020, Novelis had expanded its aluminium product portfolio by acquiring Aleris – a major producer of high-end alloys for aerospace. Since then, Novelis has been qualified to meet 90% of today’s flying demand and is the aluminium supplier of choice to leading aircraft manufacturers, including Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier and Embraer.

The global aerospace sector is growing rapidly with top aircraft brands Airbus and Boeing predicting more than 40,000 new commercial jets entering the skies over the next two decades alone. However, with an increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions, aerospace companies are prioritising sustainability and transitioning to technologies with lower environmental impact.

Aluminium – the ideal material for aircraft

• High strength-to-weight ratio
• Energy efficient
• High tolerance to extreme temperatures
• Infinitely recyclable 
   

Improving the Buy-to-Fly ratio 

At the Paris Air Show 2025, Novelis signed a multi-year contract with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, expanding the supply of aluminium plates, sheets, and an increasing number of pre-cut shapes used across all its aircraft programs. The growing application of pre-cut shapes improves the overall ‘buy-to-fly’ ratio by reducing raw material needs, minimising waste, and optimising metal utilisation throughout the production process. 
 

Buy-to-Fly Ratio = Weight of raw material purchased / Weight of finished part used in the aircraft

At the time, Mr. Johan Petry - Vice President, Global Aerospace & Industrial Plate at Novelis, had stated, “Our close partnership with Embraer is built on technical innovation, reliability, and a shared vision for a more sustainable aerospace industry. By expanding our product offering, we are supporting Embraer in manufacturing more efficiently, economically and environmentally. It's a win-win for both companies and for our shared vision to decarbonisation.” 
 

Showcasing innovative solutions for circularity

Another highlight of the world’s premier aerospace exhibition featured the showcase of Novelis’ ‘Low Carbon Rib-Demonstrator’ - a prototype structural aircraft component made with up to 90% recycled aluminium input, developed in collaboration with GKN Aerospace.  While still in the demonstration phase, initial assessments indicate that this cutting-edge technology may potentially reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% versus current production.

“At Novelis, we believe that circularity and innovation go hand in hand. Our Low Carbon Rib-Demonstrator shows the potential for recycled materials to fulfil the rigorous demands of aerospace applications, while reducing environmental impact. We are proud to work alongside industry leaders to accelerate the transformation to a more circular aerospace industry,” emphasised Mr. Petry. 
 

Cruising towards greener goals

Both the renewed agreement with Embraer and the Low Carbo Rib-Demonstrator showcased at the Paris Air Show 2025 underscore Novelis’ commitment to shaping a more sustainable world together with its stakeholders. The world’s largest recycler of aluminium is aiming to be the leading provider of low carbon, aluminium solutions and to achieve a fully circular economy by partnering with its suppliers and customers.

With ambitious sustainability goals that include net carbon neutrality by 2050 or sooner, and reduction of its carbon footprint by 30% by 2026, the sky is not a limit for Novelis.