Sohar Aluminium (SA) held the 2nd Aluminium Recycling Forum, in collaboration with the Environment Authority, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority, at Intercity Hotel, Muscat. The Forum marks an influential gathering dedicated to advancing the aluminium recycling industry and promoting sustainable industrial development in the Sultanate of Oman.

This year’s edition aims to build on the success of its inaugural edition by bringing together industry key players, experts, policymakers, and sustainability advocates to exchange insights, global trends, sustainability frameworks and the future of aluminium recycling in Oman.

The Forum featured national and international keynote speakers renowned for their contributions to global sustainability, circular economy frameworks, and aluminium stewardship, such as Ms. Marlen Bertram, Director – Scenarios and Forecasts, International Aluminium Institute, Dr. Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, Dr. Gabriel Carmona Aparicio, Circularity Research Manager, Aluminium Stewardship Initiative, Mahmood Dailami, Secretary General, Gulf Aluminium Council, and a presentation by Dr. Mohammed bin Saif Al Kalbani, Director General of Environmental Affairs at the Environment Authority.

The Forum also included two high-level discussion panels that aim to dive deeper into the operational, economic, and environmental challenges and opportunities within the aluminium scrap recycling industry. The first session explored the practical and strategic challenges faced by recycling operators, collectors, regulators, and industry partners and end-users, with a focus on how leading industries in Oman and the Gulf region are integrating recycling into their operations and supporting broader circular economy goals. It also touched on the evolving regulatory landscape in Oman and how clear policies can help address logistics and compliance barriers to recycling.

While the second panel highlighted the economic potential of the recycling industry, and the investment enablers required to unlock its full value. It focused on identifying the challenges SMEs face and the tools, incentives, and support systems they need to thrive in this industry. The panelists discussed how trade policies, import and export regulations, and regional cooperation can stimulate the recycling economy. They further highlighted the innovative financial mechanisms, ESG-focused investments, green financing and public-private partnerships that can accelerate sustainable development in aluminium scrap recycling.

Speaking on the occasion, Eng. Said Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, emphasised the strategic importance of the forum in aligning industry progress with national sustainability goals. “At Sohar Aluminium, we believe recycling is more than just an environmental obligation; it is a strategic driver of economic resilience, resource efficiency, and innovation. This forum brings a unique opportunity to align cross-sector efforts, foster new partnerships, and spark policy dialogue that supports the emergence of a strong recycling ecosystem in Oman and the wider region. By bringing together global thought leaders and local stakeholders, we aim to build a roadmap that transforms challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth.”