A DEMATEL model for identifying the impediments to the implementation of circularity in the aluminum industry

Aluminum is a circular substance that can be recycled repeatedly without losing its initial qualities. Due to its characteristics, it is an essential resource for a climate-neutral and circular economy (CE). It is also the base for applications in critical industries such as transportation, construction, packaging, and renewable energy. These qualities account for the anticipated 40 percent increase in demand for aluminum from 2019 until 2050. This paper investigates the impediments to incorporating a circular economy in the aluminum industry. Initially, fifteen impediments are identified with the help of a comprehensive literature review and discussion with the experts. Next, a DEMATEL model is formed and the lack of suitable material for improving the productivity of Hall-Heroult cells for aluminum production, lack of technical skills among the workforce, and complex supply chains are a few of the most important causes for the incorporation of circularity in the aluminum industry. On the other hand, logistics impediments within processes, Lack of R & D for new ways to reuse local byproducts or wastes in production, lack of strategy development for managing routine processes, and lack of decision-making from the top management level are some of the important effects in incorporating the concept of circularity in the aluminum industry. Moreover the result obtained has been validated by doing the sensitivity analysis of the model.