The world’s leading aluminium event returns 6–8 October in Düsseldorf – raising the bar with new Innovation Awards, strengthened association partnerships, and unprecedented industry support.
As industries accelerate their sustainability shift, aluminium as a lightweight, recyclable material is proving increasingly indispensable. The sector is responding – seeking stronger ties with new markets and key stakeholders while pushing innovation forward.
Against this backdrop, ALUMINIUM 2026 is shaping up to be the industry’s defining moment of the year – a platform for insights, networking, and business. The 5-star line-up features global players such as Alcoa, AMAG, Elval, Emirates Global Aluminium, Ma’aden, Norsk Hydro, Novelis, Rio Tinto, Speira, and Trimet, alongside specialist SMEs and start-ups bursting with smart solutions for the entire aluminium value chain.
Introducing the ALUMINIUM Innovation Awards
ALUMINIUM 2026 marks the launch of the ALUMINIUM Innovation Awards – a new initiative in partnership with International Aluminium Journal to celebrate the ingenuity driving the sector forward. The awards shine a spotlight on breakthrough technologies and solutions across three categories:
1. Sustainable & Low-Carbon Manufacturing, recognising innovations that measurably reduce environmental impact within aluminium manufacturing and processing;
2. Technology & Product Innovation, celebrating technologies or products that unlock new capabilities, opportunities, performance, or applications in aluminium;
3. Smart Manufacturing, Automation & Connectivity, honouring innovations that improve efficiency, visibility and decision-making through connected, automated operations.
“Innovation is the heartbeat of our industry”, says Patrick Herman, Event Director of ALUMINIUM at RX. “These awards do more than celebrate achievement – they make breakthroughs visible and transferable, sparking new ideas and wider understanding. Showcasing what is possible inspires others to aim higher – that’s how we raise the bar together and move our industry forward.”
Exhibitors are invited to submit their innovations from May, with the industry community voting on entries in September. Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony held during the event – and showcased to a global audience of decision-makers.
Uniting industry players and stakeholders
Leveraging innovation is not just up to individual companies – it also requires good policymaking to lay the ground for new developments and opportunities. ALUMINIUM is a vital facilitator, bringing together technology providers and stakeholders for focused, face-to-face engagement. Endorsed by leading industry organisations, including Aluminium Deutschland and European Aluminium, the event attracts policymakers and government representatives from across Europe and beyond:
“We are delighted to be part of ALUMINIUM 2026 in Düsseldorf again. The trade fair is the perfect place to meet the people who shape our industry and discuss the topics that are currently most important. We are proud to support the event and to organise the ALUMINIUM Conference with strong content and inspiring
speakers. We look forward to meeting the industry in person and creating space for exchange and networking at our booth”, says Angelika El-Noshokaty, Director General at Aluminium Deutschland.
Kelly Roegies, Senior Manager Communications at European Aluminium, adds: “ALUMINIUM brings together the entire aluminium industry in one place – a true hub for connection, conversation and collective momentum. European Aluminium is proud to be a partner from day one and to help make this event the go to meeting place for our sector.”
In 2024, more than 800 exhibitors met over 20,000 trade visitors from 100 nations – 73% of them decision makers. ALUMINIUM 2026 promises equally powerful conditions for confident investment, lasting partnerships, and long-term business growth.
Exhibitors embrace sustainability agenda
Sustainability is the central theme of ALUMINIUM 2026, embedded throughout the event programme. Special features include the new Sustainability & Recycling Conference, delivering expert insights on circular economy strategies and low-carbon production, and the Sustainability & Recycling Area, with a dedicated Showcase, Pavilion and Plaza, offering a specialised exhibition zone and networking lounge.
Many exhibitors have placed quality and sustainability at the core of their corporate strategy – and are bringing tangible proof to Düsseldorf. Speira, for example, introduces a digital product passport for coils, a key enabler for a functioning circular economy: “This year, we are excited to introduce speira.ID, our Digital Product Passport that demonstrates how transparent aluminium can be”, says Mareike Asma, Marketing Manager at Speira. “For us, ALUMINIUM is the most important event in our industry. It is the place where we introduce our latest solutions, exchange ideas, and drive innovation together with partners across the value chain.”
Other Programme Highlights
Beyond sustainability, ALUMINIUM 2026 combines proven show favourites with exciting new elements. New Hall 7a opens with a focus on semi-finished products and will host the popular ALUMINIUM Conference. The signature Themed Pavilions – Foundry, Primary, and Surface – return as cornerstones of the event, each offering dedicated touchpoints for specialist innovation and networking. And following its successful 2024 premiere, the Women with Metal Awards will once again honour outstanding achievements by women in the aluminium industry.
All eyes on Düsseldorf
Event Director Patrick Herman is delighted with how ALUMINIUM 2026 is shaping up: “This is where the industry comes together to challenge thinking, share insight, and shape what comes next. The conversations happening over the three days of the event really matter: they cement business relationships, propel innovations and new ways of thinking, and they define the direction of industry for years to come. If you are part of the aluminium industry, there is nowhere else you should be!”
Visitor registration opens in June 2026. Exhibitor bookings still accepted (limited availability). For further information, please visit www.aluminium-exhibition.com
Manufacturing & Engineering Magazine | The Home of Manufacturing Industry News
