ALUEXPO Istanbul

ALUEXPO in Istanbul is an international trade fair that has been held every two years at the Istanbul Expo Center since its inception in 2009. Organized by Hannover Messe Ankiros Fuarcılık A.Ş., it is exclusively aimed at trade professionals and has established itself as a key platform for the aluminium industry in the Eurasian region. As part of the renowned "The Bright World of Metals" event series – which also includes GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS, NEWCAST and ANKIROS – ALUEXPO offers a unique forum for innovation, business development and technological trends across the entire aluminium value chain.

The production of primary aluminium using the Hall-Héroult process is extremely energy-intensive. Electrolyzing aluminium oxide requires vast amounts of electricity, leading to high operating costs, especially in regions with elevated energy prices. Moreover, the process generates CO₂ emissions, particularly due to the use of carbon-based anodes.

Aluminium production begins with the mining of bauxite, which is found in only a few countries worldwide, such as Australia, Guinea and Brazil. This geographical concentration brings geopolitical risks and creates dependence on international supply chains. Although aluminium is theoretically 100% recyclable, challenges arise from the need for material purity, contamination from alloying elements, and the energy efficiency of the recycling process.

The further processing of aluminium – through rolling, extrusion, casting or forming – requires high-precision technology. Aluminium reacts sensitively to temperature, alloy composition and processing speed. The industry operates in a field of tension between efficiency, sustainability and innovation. Companies that invest in modern technologies, advanced recycling methods and climate-friendly production processes are better equipped to face future challenges.

The exhibition covers all relevant sectors of the aluminium industry – from production and processing to its use in end products. Key topics include primary aluminium, semi-finished products such as profiles, sheets, plates, tubes and cast parts, as well as a wide range of machinery, technologies and equipment for foundries, extrusion plants, rolling mills and surface treatment. State-of-the-art processes are presented, including anodizing, powder coating, heat treatment, and technologies for cutting, milling and joining – all tailored to aluminium. Sophisticated tools, dies, melting systems and recycling technologies are also showcased, with the latter gaining importance due to aluminium’s complete recyclability.

ALUEXPO positions itself not only as a technology exhibition but also as a business platform for all end-user markets in which aluminium plays a central role. Particularly relevant sectors include construction, automotive, packaging and energy, where aluminium is used in applications such as solar systems, wind power and electrical transmission. The event is complemented by numerous suppliers and service providers offering solutions for alloys, lubricants, chemicals and accessories.

A special highlight is the concurrent Aluminium Symposium, which promotes dialogue between research, technology and industry. Istanbul’s geostrategic location – at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East – makes ALUEXPO a prime meeting point for companies seeking access to growth markets in Turkey, Eurasia and the MENA region. It is a place where networks are built, innovations enter the market, and forward-looking partnerships are forged.

ALUEXPO is therefore far more than a traditional industrial fair. It is a specialized business and innovation platform that, through its international focus, thematic depth and strategic positioning, offers significant added value to all players in the aluminium industry.

The ALUEXPO takes place biennially, and therefore for the 10th time previsibly in September 2027 in Istanbul.