
1. What motivated you to become a sponsor of the GLAFCO conference?
As Assan Alüminyum is one of the largest producers of aluminium foil in Europe, GLAFRI’s contributions to the global aluminium market are very significant for us. The organisation promotes aluminium foil and its sustainability benefits in global markets. Sustainability is one of our core brand values. So we value GLAFRI’s efforts greatly and are happy to contribute in every way that we can.
In particular, our General Manager is currently the President of GLAFRI and we are honoured to be the host nation for the GLAFCO conference. As the company is based in Istanbul, where our headquarters are, Assan Alüminyum felt that our support is even more meaningful this time.
2. How important is the work of GLAFRI and the GLAFCO conference and why?
GLAFCO is an event where a majority of the players from the global aluminium foil market get together and discuss the future of the industry. The collaborative effort of all the participants, with GLAFRI’s leadership, is very valuable in carrying our industry into the future.
3. Which topics covered by the conference particularly stand out?
Sustainability and consumer perspectives especially stand out. With the world’s resources quickly being consumed and the future for our children coming into question, sustainability is a very important issue. We all have to play our part. Also we believe that the consumer perspective is a key element, as it drives sustainability issues forward at a fast pace.
4. How do you believe the global networking opportunities of GLAFCO benefit the industry?
As aluminium foil is traded at significant volumes worldwide, the industry is highly interconnected. Therefore global networking opportunities benefit the whole industry, as it’s easier to discuss issues in this forum and seek solutions that are beneficial for all parties involved.
5. What are the benefits of marketing aluminium foil globally?
Aluminium foil has many different advantages that contribute to sustainability. For example, it’s infinitely recyclable and light, so very resource efficient. It has excellent barrier properties against light, heat and moisture, so can help to reduce food waste as food packaging. These advantages need to be promoted globally, with many different industries having the opportunity to become more sustainable by utilizing these extraordinary properties and essentially benefiting the world as a whole.
6. GLAFRI promotes market development, innovation and sustainability. How would you rank them for your business?
Sustainability is certainly one of our top priorities at the moment. Market development is also important for Assan Alüminyum, as 80% of the total output is exported. Finally innovation; although we have ranked this last on this list, we make significant process innovations at our R&D Centre in order to produce better performing and more sustainable products.