Speira is moving forward with the transformation of its Rheinwerk site in Neuss, Germany, investing approximately €40 million in a fourth aluminium recycling furnace that is scheduled to begin operations in autumn 2026. The investment forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to convert the former primary aluminium production site into a major European recycling hub.
The redevelopment follows the complete shutdown of the site’s electrolysis operations, ending primary aluminium production and shifting the facility’s focus entirely to recycling. The new furnace will melt aluminium scrap, which will then be processed into high-quality material for products such as beverage cans, increasing the plant’s overall recycling capacity.
A significant portion of the project has already been completed, with around one-third of the former smelting area transformed into a modern scrap yard. The facility is designed to sample, sort, store and prepare aluminium scrap before it enters the recycling process. Speira is placing particular emphasis on post-consumer scrap – aluminium recovered after completing its full product lifecycle – which plays a key role in reducing reliance on primary metal and supporting a circular economy.
The new scrap storage area also improves the supply of raw material to all four recycling furnaces at Rheinwerk. Meanwhile, Speira is continuing the dismantling of the remaining former smelter facilities to prepare the site for future industrial development. 
Source: Speira with additional information added by Glass Balkan
