China launches first future, option of renewable commodity

(ECNS) -- The Shanghai Futures Exchange pioneered China's recycled materials derivatives market Tuesday with the debut of cast aluminum alloy futures and options for trading.

This development represents a rare advancement in the nascent global market for financial derivatives based on recyclable goods such as steel and paper.

According to China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CMRA), each metric ton of cast aluminum alloy produces 96.4% less carbon emissions than electrolytic aluminum, earning it the nickname "green metal." It is already part of daily life, appearing in car engine blocks, motorcycle wheels, and even smartphone casings.　

Lu Dongsheng, general manager of the Shanghai Futures Exchange, said that listing future and option of cast aluminum alloy will support the green and low-carbon transformation of the nonferrous metals industry.

According to CMRA, in 2024, China’s production capacity for cast aluminum alloy reached approximately 13 million metric tons, with actual output around 6.2 million metric tons, making the country the world’s largest producer and consumer of the material.