The European Union has introduced the CBAM aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Let’s look into its specifics and how we can ensure compliance in the sale of our ferroalloys.

CBAM stands for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a system that aims to control carbon emissions and act as an incentive for companies operating in the iron and steel industry to adopt sustainable practises. As dealers of ferroalloys, the CBAM is very important to us as some of the materials we process have a significant carbon index. Let’s take a closer look at what this new environmental protocol envisages and how we can effectively reduce our ferroalloy emissions.

What is the CBAM

The CBAM is a mechanism introduced by the European Union makes it mandatory for companies to declare carbon emissions produced during the import/export processes of metals and ferroalloys and during their subsequent processing.

This procedure began its transitional period on 1 October 2023 and shall become fully mandatory in 2026. This means that by 31 January 2024 companies operating in the iron and steel industry shall be required to submit a report stating the carbon emissions for the fourth quarter of 2023.

The aim of these reports is to monitor Co2 emissions in the European Union and to ensure compliance with the envisaged environmental sustainability objectives. Furthermore, the introduction of the CBAM foresees a knock-on effect where European companies will also encourage their NON-EU suppliers and customers to adopt green policies for the extraction, production and processing of metals and ferroalloys.

Which industries are affected

The CBAM mainly concerns the iron and teel industry, but affects all industrial sectors that use metal and ferroalloys components in their production processes. In addition to foundries and raw material dealers, the CBAM also has an impact on the automotive sector, the metallurgical sector and manufacturers of electrical and electronic components, generating a positive knock-on impact on the all aspects of industrial production.

How will Al.Fa. Laminati comply with the CBAM requirements

As far as our operating processes are concerned, in the first transitional phase of the CBAM we shall be required to report the quantities of ferro manganese we import and proof of compliance of our suppliers with a series of environmental requirements that determine the emissions of carbon into the atmosphere during the import and processing phases of this ferroalloy.

We have already enrolled with the CBAM transitional registry and have started collecting from our suppliers all the certifications attesting to the origin of the lots of ferro manganese  that we sell and their impact on the environment.

In the coming years, however, we expect that the legislation for a more sustainable Europe will also be extended to other ferroalloys, which is why we are preparing to document the origin of the other raw materials we sell, so as to guarantee eco-friendly products to the foundries and iron and steel companies we serve.

Take a stand to protect our planet

Contact us to find out how to receive eco-friendly ferroalloys that comply with European sustainability regulations.

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From November 19-21 we will be in Prague attending the Fastmarkets International Ferroalloys standout event. Find out what our goals are concerning the annual Metal Bulletin conference.

Metal Bulletin is a unique opportunity to strengthen our bond and business relations with ferroalloy manufacturers. So once again we will be attending the 39th Fastmarkets International Ferroalloys event that will be held on November 19-21, 2023 in Prague. These are the goals we strive to achieve by attending this key go-to event for the entire iron and steel industry.

1 – To consolidate our business relations

The world’s leading ferroalloy manufacturers attend the Metal Bulletin. From this viewpoint, the conference is an outstanding opportunity to meet suppliers, engage in new collaborations and consolidate existing relations. Finding reliable suppliers is key to maintaining our superior standards of operational efficiency and product quality and, by exploiting the networking opportunities afforded by this conference, we strive to improve our supply chain and guarantee our customers premium choice ferroalloys.

2 – Market forecasts

Fastmarkets International Ferroalloys is also a must go-to event for the exchange opportunities it offers. Meeting other market players and debating on the possible development of ferroalloys and the iron and steel industry over the coming months, is fundamental to gaining a better understanding of the dynamics of this constantly evolving industry, and puts us in a position to make more informed strategic decisions that can contribute to the successful performance of our company.

3 – Pricing for Q1 2024

Last but not least, Metal Bulletin will give us the chance to negotiate the supply prices for the first quarter of 2024 and define a supply schedule that will ensure we have sufficient ferroalloys in stock and ready to deliver for our Italian and European customers.

If you too are thinking to the future and already planning the first quarter of 2024, please contact us now to book your most cost-effective supply of ferroalloys.

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What are the parameters used for assessing the sustainability of a company in the steel sector? Read the insight for further details.

 According to a survey by Siderweb, one of the main references in the steel market, environmental impact in our sector is an important variable when choosing a supplier.

At Al. Fa. Laminati we are fully aware of the importance of the environmental impact of the ferroalloys we sell, so for years we have adopted responsibly managed logistics and we select our suppliers carefully to deliver more sustainable products to Italian foundries and iron and steel companies.

What does this actually mean?

Here are the 2 parameters for the sustainability of iron and steel companies that we have also transposed within our ferroalloy supply process.

1-  Sustainable use of energy resources

The extraction of raw materials and the production of steel requires a huge amount of energy which, if not managed methodically, risks being dispersed into the atmosphere.

At Al.Fa. Laminati we purchase raw materials from trusted suppliers who manage extraction responsibly and we are committed to reducing the energy consumption of our plant activities with small daily actions that, in the long run, can make a difference.

2-  Co2 emissions

Reducing Co2 emissions is a matter of some concern to us, as our ferroalloys are transported by road to our screening centres and from there to our customers’ premises.

Over the years, we have reduced CO2 emissions by means of efficient logistics that optimise transport, thereby reducing the number of journeys made, noise pollution and, of course, air pollution emitted by our business activities.

In addition, we provide our customers with a document certifying the Co2 emissions generated by the use of the ferroalloys we sell, so as to allow foundries and

iron and steel companies to monitor their emissions and comply with the environmental sustainability parameters envisaged by the Kyoto Emission Trading regulation.

The trading and use of ferroalloys can have devastating effects on our Planet, if not handled methodically and carefully.

When you choose your raw material suppliers, make sure that they are aware of their responsibility towards the environment and choose partners who can guarantee the implementation of concrete actions to protect our future.

Contact us to find out what we can do together to make your supplies more sustainable.

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There are 3 reasons why we are confident that the ferroalloy market will recover in the coming months. Read our insight to find out more.

 At Al.Fa. Laminati we know the iron and steel markets well and we monitor the dynamics of the industry to help our customers schedule their supplies also based on seasonal trends.

Over the past summer, for example, we witnessed a decrease in demand for ferroalloys, but this trend did not worry us because we know it was entirely physiological. During the summer months, production drops and consequently demand for raw materials does too, but in the coming months demands will start to rise again with rather significant numbers. Here’s why.

The protection of the iron and steel market

In the 4th quarter of 2023 we expect to see an increase in the demand for ferroalloys on the Italian market and this forecast is supported by a number of factors that have characterised the entire iron and steel sector in recent months.

Policies to protect local productions have, in fact, reduced the purchase of raw materials from foreign partners, encouraging the collaboration between manufacturing companies and suppliers of ferroalloys based in Italy. As Al.Fa. Laminati, therefore, we can estimate that in the coming months our collaborations with Italian foundries and iron and steel companies are destined to grow.

Stable costs for ferroalloys

Another aspect that builds our confidence in our 4th quarter performance is the fluctuation in raw material costs. After a few rather rocky periods, the cost of ferroalloys has now stabilised, allowing manufacturing enterprises to make medium term investments and organise supplies with longer lead times. For us, this means more consistent and lasting collaborations.

Our integrated logistics

The success we strive to achieve in the coming months is also driven by our in-house efficiency, which allows customers to schedule their supplies without overloading the warehouse. Our integrated logistics, streamlines the production processes of our customers, making them more lean, more consistent and allows companies to focus on their business activities without fear of being left without raw materials.

Although there was a slight decrease in demand in the past few months, we are hopeful for the future and confident that in the coming months our company will achieve its 2023 targets.

Schedule your ferroalloy supplies and discover the advantages our logistics brings to your production facilities

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Learn how ferroalloys were first created, the benefits they bring and how to evaluate your supplies to achieve higher performance steels. Read the article.

Ferroalloys are cornerstones for the iron and steel industry because they can improve the performance of steels, but they are a relatively modern discovery. Let’s see how they were “discovered” and how you can verify their composition to produce a steel end product that meets your requirements.

When were ferroalloys first created

Ferroalloys are the result of analyses and research conducted by a number of engineers, but the first to use the term “ferroalloy” was the French engineer Réaumur in the 18th century, who added carbon to iron to increase its hardness and strength.

In the early 19th century, when the iron and steel industry started to develop in Europe and the United States, ferroalloys began to be used on a much larger scale and new formulas were sought to create increasingly higher performance materials.

Types of ferroalloys

The first ferroalloy used in the iron and steel industry was ferro silicon, which is still one of the most commonly used ferroalloys making raw iron more resistant to corrosion and high temperatures.

At the end of the 19th century, the use of ferro-chromium and ferro manganese became more popular, while in the 20th century other compositions based on ferro-molybdenum, ferro-tungsten and ferro-vanadium were also developed, which led to the production of steels that were increasingly resistant and hard-wearing.

The compositions of ferroalloys

Although the raw materials may be the same, each ferroalloy bestows the end product with precise characteristics according to its composition.

An evaluation of the composition of ferroalloys is therefore crucial to determine the quality and specific properties of each ferroalloy; two aspects that can affect the physical and mechanical properties of the end materials, such as their strength, hardness, and toughness.

If you want to be sure you are purchasing ferroalloys that meet your application requirements, check the technical fact sheets and carefully assess the specific composition of each ferroalloy.

At Al.Fa. Laminati we can supply ferroalloys of different compositions and various sizes to meet the needs of our customers and, thanks to our technical fact sheets, we also provide all the information necessary to find the right ferroalloy for each type of production.

Contact us to view out ferroalloy technical fact sheets

From the automotive to energy industries: find out what the end applications are for materials made from superior quality ferroalloys. Read this article.

Ferroalloys are used by iron and steel industries to boost the performance of steels, improving the toughness, strength and weight of die-cast or drawn components. But once we have produced high performance steels from ferroalloys, what are the end applications of the components? Let’s find out together.

–         Automotive

In the automotive industry, ferroalloys are used for the production of vehicle parts such as engines, transmissions and brakes, as they provide greater resistance to traction and corrosion.

–         Railway and aerospace

Thanks to the light weight and tensile strength that ferroalloys bestow to steels, the components made from these materials are used for the production of components for aircrafts, satellites and railway lines.

–         Construction

The tensile strength and light weight of the steels produced using ferroalloys have made it possible to create construction components such as beams, bridges and other infrastructures that are safe and long-lasting.

–         Mechanical industries

In the mechanical engineering industry, ferroalloys are used to produce components for use in almost all industrial sectors, with sizes ranging from microns to square metres.

–         Energy industry

Steel made from ferroalloys is used to produce components for power plants, wind turbines and solar power plants.

Improve the performance of your steels for use in industrial sectors that give importance to the light weight, toughness and tensile strength of the end components.

Contact us for more information on the quality of the ferroalloys we can supply

We distribute ferroalloys bulk or in big bags to facilitate our customers’ production processes. Find out more about this service and let us take care of your material stocks.

One of our company’s strengths is the possibility to supply ferroalloys bulk or in big bags depending on the production requirements of our customers. The packaging service is an added value which facilitates the production processes of foundries and steelworks, and is addition to the just-in-time supply and sizing services. Let’s find out more.

Why you should purchase packaged ferroalloys

Foundry and steelworks warehouses can contain different types of ferroalloys, such as Iron and Manganese, Iron and Silicon, or Iron and Aluminium. If the warehouse is relatively small, requesting deliveries of ferroalloys in big bags will help organise the available spaces better without the risk of contamination between the raw materials.

Purchasing packaged ferroalloys facilitates material handling

Another advantage obtained from requesting ferroalloys packaged in big bags is the possibility to receive custom packaging and to organise material stocks according to the handling possibilities of customer vehicles.

Furthermore, ordering ferroalloys in big bags makes it possible to move material faster because each lot is catalogued and weighed upstream of the production process and supplied in a format that meets the demands of each individual company.

Ferroalloys in big bags delivered when needed

Thanks to the just-in-time logistics service, the packaged material is stored in our warehouses and supplied to customers according to delivery schedule that does not impact the internal logistics of foundries and iron steel companies.

For your supply of ferroalloys, rely on a company that has your demands at heart and packages the material according to your needs.