The European Association for Surface Treatment on Aluminium (ESTAL) Congress, held in Thessaloniki in October, once again demonstrated the importance and power of European industry exchange.
The ESTAL Congress staff contributed this review of the event:
Both the extensive program and the personal, professional discussions provided essential inspiration for all participants. The experts, both on and off stage, contributed their extensive experience, transforming the congress into a practical platform for technology transfer at the European level.
The focus of the biennial ESTAL Congress was primarily on current developments influenced by decisions of the European Commission, such as the aluminium value chain in a changing Europe or the impact of new EU construction regulations on aluminium surface treatment and global market trends. Our keynote speakers addressed the competitiveness of the European aluminium value chain in the current international trade context. At the same time, the European Commission and industry experts gave an overview of the EU legislative context.
Special attention was paid to innovations in resource efficiency and industrial emissions, to improve the sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the aluminium surface treatment value chain. Then, several presentations focused on innovative products and finishing processes, including color innovation, nanoparticle-enhanced anodic oxide coatings, conversion treatments of 3D-printed aluminum, and artificial intelligence applied to painting lines.
Finally, several presentations focused on the powder coating and anodising of recycling-based aluminium alloys, which are fundamental to the decarbonisation of the aluminium value chain.
The organizers sent a strong message with this year's keynote speaker at the beginning of the second day of the congress, Yannis Maniatis, Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Member of the European Parliament, and former Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change. He provided professional insight into the "Aluminum Sector at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Ecological and Strategic Transition."
Maniatis' participation impressively underscores that surface finishing issues are being politically recognised and addressed in the EU, and highlights the bridge-building between industry and politics.
The ESTAL Congress also offered an excellent opportunity to deepen cross-border contacts and strengthen networks. The event drew experts from a diverse range of sectors and facilitated an in-depth exchange of views on current challenges and opportunities. The ESTAL Congress also scored highly with its large-scale exhibition featuring numerous and diverse sponsors from the industry. Participants were able to engage in face-to-face discussions at the booths and discuss future challenges. Various accompanying events, including an impressive visit to an aluminium recycling facility and several surface finishing lines from Alumil in Kilkis, approximately 50 kilometres away, thrilled the participants.
The conclusion after three impressive and highly dynamic days of events: The ESTAL Congress once again set important standards for the surface finishing industry. It brought together trends, EU-wide requirements, and practical solutions in a compact program. The combination of face-to-face meetings, political involvement, and technical excellence demonstrates how Europe can grow together in the surface finishing sector, benefiting the industry, supply chains, and the environment in every country.
Visit https://www.estal.org.
