Dirty Scrap The Aluminum Podcast

In this episode, Jean Simard joins the conversation to discuss the forces reshaping the aluminum industry across North America. From low-carbon aluminum production and recycling infrastructure to geopolitical trade pressures and industrial competitiveness, this discussion explores how Canada is positioning itself in the next era of manufacturing and sustainable metals. The episode also examines th...

A lot of fun hosting the live recording of the DIRTY SCRAP Podcast during the The Aluminum Association Spring Meeting in Austin, Texas. Huge thanks to Kelly Thomas, Murray Rudisill and Chuck Johnson for an incredibly honest and high-level conversation about the future of the aluminum industry. We discussed some of the most important topics shaping our industry today: The strategic importance of al...

In this episode of Dirty Scrap, Julio Quintero sits down with Joe Quinn from SAFE (Securing America’s Future Energy) for a deep conversation about the future of aluminum, manufacturing, energy policy, recycling, AI infrastructure, and national security. This episode explores why aluminum is becoming one of the most strategic materials for the U.S. economy and how primary production, secondary recy...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

In this episode of Dirty Scrap Podcast , we sit down with Scott Breen , President of the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) , the organization representing U.S. metal can manufacturers and their suppliers. Scott leads CMI’s industry strategy, serves as the chief spokesperson with policymakers and media, and oversees the organization’s culture and operations. He also brings a unique perspective from...

In this episode of the Dirty Scrap Podcast , we sit down with Nick from High Temperature Systems to discuss what’s really happening on the foundry floor in 2025. We cover: Why tariffs didn’t translate into new investment Supply chain disruptions and rising lead times The gap between automation and operational know-how Safety risks tied to preheating, training, and process discipline A practical co...

In this conversation, Aldo shares more than 20 years of experience across operations, commercial strategy, logistics, and global metal trading. We explore how the industry is evolving and what new generations need to know as they enter the field. Topics Covered Immigration, workforce shortages & generational knowledge loss Why younger talent is not entering manufacturing — and how to fix it How ta...

Guest: Amy Hinton, North American Scrap Editor — Fastmarkets Host: Julio Quintero, Dirty Scrap Podcast Topics discussed: Tariffs and their real impact on U.S. producers and recyclers The nearshoring dilemma: cost, energy, and compliance Transparency vs. complexity in the new trade environment Labor and energy challenges for aluminum smelters The evolving U.S.–Mexico–Canada (USMCA) trade dynamic Ma...

In this episode of Dirty Scrap , host Julio Quintero sits down with Beatriz Landa , VP of Metal Procurement & Planning at Novelis , to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping the aluminum industry. From her unique journey — professional soccer player, lawyer, McKinsey consultant, and now a senior executive at Novelis — to leading strategies that aim for 75% recycled content by 2030...

What will the U.S.–Canada relationship look like in 2025?Aluminum has become the real thermometer of this bilateral relationship: 📉 Trade tensions with tariffs ranging from 25% to 50% ⚡ A shared climate agenda focused on recycling and decarbonization 🏭 Direct impact on automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging 🔧 Technological opportunities: induction furnaces, continuous billet castin...

Dirty Scrap Podcast 🎙️ | The Long Way Home In this episode, we dive into The Long Way Home — a project that goes beyond aluminum and recycling to explore the human side of sustainability. 🌍 Coming from Colombia, where poverty is a daily reality, I connect my personal story with the global challenges of equity, industry, and environmental responsibility. We talk about: ♻️ Why sustainability in alu...

In this episode, Chuck Johnson joins us to break down the current state of U.S. aluminum tariff policies and their impact across the supply chain — from producers and recyclers to manufacturers and end users. We cover:– Why aluminum tariffs continue to shape the market– How trade policy decisions influence domestic capacity– The challenges and opportunities facing U.S. aluminum– What could change...

In this special episode of the Dirty Scrap Podcast, we talk with Robin Wiener, President of REMA (formerly ISRI), about the impact of global transformation on recycling, tariff policies, trade challenges, and strengthening international relationships. 🌎♻️ An essential conversation to understand where the industry is heading and how we can build a more resilient and sustainable future. This is a p...

In this insightful conversation, Julio Quintero sits down with Chuck Johnson, President of the Aluminum Association USA, to explore the current landscape and future of the aluminum industry . Together, they dive deep into the global challenges shaping the sector— trade policies, energy demands, and sustainability trends —and discuss how the U.S. aluminum industry is adapting and preparing for what...

In this episode of Dirty Scrap Podcast , I talk with Judith Jenny , Managing Director of Austin AI Europe , about how LIPS technology is transforming aluminum recycling. 🛠️ Judith shares insights into why LIPS outperforms XRF and how it’s driving efficiency, sustainability, and profitability in the recycling industry. 🌍 We also dive into her professional journey and the groundbreaking innovations...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

Avishai, Co-founder and CEO of Bamboozle, is redefining the landscape of sustainability and home innovation. Through his visionary leadership, Bamboozle has transformed the way we view domestic composting with its sleek and functional countertop bin. Merging culinary artistry, design, technology, and science, Avishai is committed to finding harmony between sustainability and modern consumerism. By...

In this episode of Dirty Scrap , I talk with Matts Larsson, founder of the Global Energy Transformation Institute, about the challenges and opportunities in the shift toward sustainability and electrification. We explore key topics such as the role of electric vehicles (EVs), the need for updated energy infrastructure, and how the circular economy can support sustainable development. Matts also sh...

In this episode of Dirty Scrap Podcast , we sit down with the CEO of Regenx to explore the shift from traditional mining to sustainable practices and green technologies. Learn how Regenx is driving the circular economy by recycling critical metals like platinum and palladium from catalytic converters, reducing CO2 emissions, and optimizing resources. Discover insights on scaling eco-friendly proce...

In this episode of the Dirty Scrap Podcast, we sit down with Ryan Schermerhorn, an attorney specializing in intellectual property and climate change. We discuss how sustainability trends are shaping industries across North America, from recycling to green tech innovation. Ryan shares insights on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Climate Change Mitigation Pilot Program, which accelerates paten...

This video covers the potential effects of relaxed CO2 regulations and new tariffs on Chinese EVs and aluminum on the U.S. aluminum recycling industry This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

Traditionally, primary casthouses solidified the molten primary aluminum from the potlines into ingot or sow, or produced primary alloy ingots, billets or slabs.  Secondary casthouses served to convert scrap into secondary aluminum ingots, billets, or slabs. Today, the global trend to sustainability, circular economy - and therefore maximizing recycling and minimizing carbon footprint, has led to...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

In this episode of the Dirty Scrap Podcast, we dive deep into the future of aluminum packaging with Dan and Jeff, two innovators behind Canovation . Learn how their resealable can technology is transforming the industry by enhancing sustainability, reducing CO2 emissions, and offering a practical alternative to plastic. Tune in to discover how this breakthrough is reshaping the way we think about...