The latest edition of the ESTAL Congress showcased innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in aluminium surface treatment across Europe.
The ESTAL Congress in Thessaloniki (Greece), held from 1–3 October 2025, once again highlighted the significance of European industry exchange.
Both the comprehensive programme and the personal, professional discussions provided invaluable inspiration for attendees. Experts on and off stage shared their extensive experience, transforming the congress into a practical platform for technology transfer across Europe.
The biennial event focused on current developments shaped by European Commission decisions, including the aluminium value chain in a changing Europe, the impact of new EU construction regulations on aluminium surface treatment, and global market trends.
Keynote speakers explored the competitiveness of the European aluminium value chain in the global trade context, while representatives from the European Commission and industry experts offered an overview of the EU legislative landscape.
A special emphasis was placed on innovations in resource efficiency and industrial emissions to improve sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint of the aluminium surface treatment value chain. Presentations also covered cutting-edge products and finishing processes, including colour innovation, nanoparticle-enhanced anodic oxide coatings, conversion treatments of 3D-printed aluminium, and the application of artificial intelligence to painting lines. Additionally, several sessions examined powder coating and anodising of recycling-based aluminium alloys, a crucial element in decarbonising the aluminium sector.
The organisers sent a strong message at the beginning of the second day with keynote speaker Yannis Maniatis, Vice President of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Member of the European Parliament, and former Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate Change. He provided professional insight into the "Aluminum Sector at a Crossroads: Challenges and Opportunities in the Context of Ecological and Strategic Transition." Maniatis’ participation underscores the political recognition of surface finishing issues in the EU and highlights the connection between industry and policymaking.
The ESTAL Congress also offered an excellent opportunity to deepen cross-border contacts and strengthen professional networks. Drawing experts from diverse sub-sectors, the event facilitated intensive discussions on current challenges and opportunities.
The congress was further enhanced by a large-scale exhibition showcasing numerous industry sponsors, allowing participants to engage in face-to-face discussions and explore future challenges. Complementary events, including an impressive visit to Alumil’s aluminium recycling facilities and surface finishing lines
in Kilkis, around 50 kilometres away, added a practical dimension to the programme.
After three dynamic days, the conclusion was clear: the ESTAL Congress once again set important standards for the surface finishing industry. By combining trends, EU-wide requirements, and practical solutions in a compact programme, alongside face-to-face networking and political involvement, the event demonstrated how Europe can advance together in the surface finishing sector – benefiting the industry, supply chains, and the environment across the continent.