Russian Metals Giant Plans Split to Focus on Green Aluminum

  • Rusal to change name to AL+ after splitting high-carbon assets
  • Proposed split will need regulatory and shareholder approval
Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg
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Russian metals giant United Co. Rusal International PJSC plans to split off its higher-carbon assets, leaving a business focused on the fast-growing green aluminum market.

Rusal, along with other producers such as Alcoa Inc. and Rio Tinto Group, is driving the development of so-called “green aluminum,” with automakers and other consumers charged a premium for metal with a smaller carbon footprint. Under Rusal’s plan, its management has proposed changing the name of the company to AL+ as it seeks to become a key player in that potentially lucrative market.