Aluminium Recycling Forum calls to advance Oman’s circular economy ambitions

Muscat: The third edition of the Aluminium Recycling Forum addressed key themes shaping the future of aluminium industry, including global, regional and local outlooks on scrap recycling, the importance of retaining scrap within domestic markets, global trends in the aluminium sector, as well as considerations around scrap quality, standards, safety and technical capabilities.

Building on tangible progress in the Sultanate of Oman’s recycling landscape, the forum was organised in Muscat by Sohar Aluminium, in collaboration with the Environment Authority, under the patronage of Dr Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of Environment Authority.

The event emphasised the economic and investment outlook for the recycling industry, highlighting opportunities for growth and value creation.

Building on the success of its previous editions, the forum brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to accelerate the development of an integrated recycling ecosystem and advance circular economy ambitions in Oman.

Featuring expert speakers and panelists from leading regional and local organisations, the forum brought global expertise with local priorities, fostering knowledge exchange and practical solutions tailored to Oman’s evolving industrial landscape. This edition of the forum explored how policy frameworks, technological innovation, and cross-sector collaboration can further unlock the full potential of the recycling sector.

The discussion panels focused on advancing a cohesive and high-performing recycling value chain in Oman. Discussions explored how policy, industry and institutions can work in alignment to scale recycling efforts, address key barriers through coordinated action, and position Oman as a regional hub for circular economy practices — particularly in high-value materials such as aluminium.

Commenting on the significance of the forum, Eng. Said Mohammed Al Masoudi, CEO of Sohar Aluminium, stated: “Recycling today stands at the intersection of environmental responsibility and economic opportunity. The progress we have achieved over the past years demonstrates what is possible through strong collaboration and clear regulatory direction."

"This Forum is not only a platform for dialogue, but a catalyst for action—enabling us to align policies, investments, and innovation to build a resilient and future-ready recycling ecosystem in Oman. By working together, we can transform aluminium recycling into a strategic pillar that supports sustainable growth, strengthens local value chains, and positions Oman as a leader in the circular economy”, Al Masoudi added.

As Oman advances towards its net zero ambitions and broader sustainability priorities under Vision 2040, aluminium recycling is emerging as a critical enabler of both climate action and economic diversification. Since 2024, a series of targeted workshops led by Sohar Aluminium, in close collaboration with regulators, industry players, and sector stakeholders, have delivered measurable impact.

These collective efforts have contributed to a remarkable 288% increase in aluminium scrap recycling volumes in Oman by the end of 2025 compared to 2024, driven in part by the aluminium-related regulatory developments introduced in March 2025. This milestone reflects the growing momentum behind national efforts to enhance resource efficiency and strengthen circular economy practices.