Marubeni has successfully concluded a transaction involving low-carbon aluminum billets with Fuji Light Metal Co., Ltd. and FUJISASH Co., Ltd., collectively known as the FUJISASH Group. This sale is part of a strategic collaboration with global mining leader, Rio Tinto. The transaction involves a shipment of Rio Tinto’s RenewAl™ aluminum billets, produced at its renewably-powered New Zealand Aluminum Smelters (NZAS). FUJISASH Group, which prioritizes reducing carbon emissions across its supply chain and manufacturing processes, will be the recipient. This marks the inaugural sale of RenewAl™ low-carbon aluminum billets in Asia, significantly advancing environmental sustainability and supporting the development of more sustainable supply chains.

Marubeni will supply FUJISASH Group with Rio Tinto’s RenewAl™, the industry's pioneering certified low-carbon aluminum, for use in aluminum sashes and curtain walls in buildings provided by FUJISASH Group. This move is part of Marubeni's established and robust business relationship with FUJISASH Group. Additionally, Rio Tinto’s digital traceability platform, START™, will provide FUJISASH Group with access to up to 14 ESG-related data points, including carbon footprint, safety performance, and diversity metrics, as well as provenance information. This will enhance supply chain transparency and reinforce assurances of responsible sourcing practices.

Following the announcement of the strategic collaboration between Marubeni and Rio Tinto, there has been a notable surge in demand for low-carbon aluminum and ESG-related data across various industry value chains. Marubeni is committed to accelerating cross-industry collaboration among producers, trading companies, and building materials manufacturers. This effort aims to broaden the applications of low-carbon aluminum, innovate new products, and undertake joint initiatives for traceability, all contributing to sustainable growth.

Marubeni’s Mid-Term Management Strategy, GC2024, integrates a green strategy as a core component for boosting corporate value. Within this framework, the aluminum sector is highlighted as a key focus area, crucial for advancing towards a decarbonized economy. Marubeni aims to play a pivotal role in fostering sustainability by delivering responsible aluminum products to a diverse clientele. This initiative is designed to support the decarbonization efforts across the entire supply chain, ensuring that environmental responsibility is embedded throughout. By aligning with these green objectives, Marubeni seeks to contribute significantly to the development of a more sustainable and eco-friendly society.

In February 2023 Rio Tinto and Japanese trading giant Marubeni Corporation embarked on a pioneering strategic collaboration to secure a sustainable and reliable supply of Rio Tinto’s Responsible Aluminium products for Japanese downstream manufacturers. The inaugural transaction involves a batch of Rio Tinto’s RenewAl™ high-purity aluminum, produced at the renewably-powered New Zealand Aluminium Smelters (NZAS), supplied to a prominent Japanese motorcycle manufacturer committed to carbon emission reductions across its supply chain and manufacturing processes.