Technology strategies for sustainable metals production systems: a case study of primary aluminium production in The Netherlands and Norway

Many firms are embracing the environmental challenge by implementing incremental changes in their production systems. Nevertheless, radical innovations are also important for achieving sustainability goals. This paper focuses on the technology strategies leading to radical innovations in aluminium production systems. It conceptualizes the radical nature of innovations, and develops a framework for analysing the technology strategies of two aluminium smelters, Aluminium Delfzijl in The Netherlands and Hydro Aluminium in Norway. From the analysis, policy instruments are proposed for a transition towards sustainable aluminium production.