Dirty Scrap The Aluminum Podcast

Hosted by Julio Quintero

Business Technology

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

About the show

At dirty scrap Aluminum Podcast we love to bet on innovation, clean energy with a totally sustainable approach that helps future generations to keep the planet alive without losing sight of productive efficiency. julioquintero.substack.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

May 19, 202647 min

The Future of Aluminum Recycling in America | DIRTY SCRAP LIVE🔛 at The Aluminum Association

A lot of fun hosting the live recording of the DIRTY SCRAP Podcast during the The Aluminum Association Spring Meeting in Austin, Texas.Huge thanks to Kelly Thomas, Murray Rudisill and Chuck Johnson for an incredibly honest and high-level conversation about the future of the aluminum industry.We discussed some of the most important topics shaping our industry today: The strategic importance of aluminum scrap and recycling The future of automation, AI, and sorting technologies Workforce challenges and operational transformation Energy, geopolitics, tariffs, and supply chain resilience Why aluminum is no longer just a commodity — it’s becoming a strategic material for the futureOne of the biggest takeaways from the conversation:The future of aluminum will depend on better collaboration between recyclers, foundries, technology providers, policymakers, and the next generation entering the industry.Very grateful to the Aluminum Association for creating spaces where the industry can come together to openly discuss challenges, opportunities, and the long-term vision for manufacturing and recycling in North America.The aluminum industry is evolving fast — and conversations like this are exactly what move the industry forward. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

May 14, 202647 min

Why Aluminum Matters More Than Ever | Joe Quinn | Dirty Scrap Podcast

In this episode of Dirty Scrap, Julio Quintero sits down with Joe Quinn from SAFE (Securing America’s Future Energy) for a deep conversation about the future of aluminum, manufacturing, energy policy, recycling, AI infrastructure, and national security.This episode explores why aluminum is becoming one of the most strategic materials for the U.S. economy and how primary production, secondary recycling, infrastructure, energy, automation, and supply chains are shaping the next industrial era.Topics covered in this episode: Aluminum as a strategic material U.S. manufacturing and reindustrialization Primary vs secondary aluminum production Aluminum recycling and scrap supply chains Energy policy and industrial infrastructure AI, data centers, and aluminum demand Labor shortages and automation in manufacturing U.S. vs China industrial competition The future of aluminum over the next decadeGuest: Joe QuinnHost: Julio QuinteroIf you work in aluminum recycling, foundry operations, die casting, manufacturing, energy, or industrial technology, this episode provides valuable insight into where the industry is heading. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

April 1, 202636 min

Secondary Aluminum: Process, Scrap, and Competitiveness

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

February 4, 202644 min

Why the U.S. Is Stuck at 43% Aluminum Can Recycling | Scott Breen, President of CMI

In this episode of Dirty Scrap Podcast, we sit down with Scott Breen, President of the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI), the organization representing U.S. metal can manufacturers and their suppliers.Scott leads CMI’s industry strategy, serves as the chief spokesperson with policymakers and media, and oversees the organization’s culture and operations. He also brings a unique perspective from his role as Chair of The Recycling Partnership’s Board of Directors, and from his previous work at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and NOAA.In this conversation, we explore:Why the U.S. aluminum can recycling rate remains around 43%Why fixing sorting alone won’t get us to 70–90% recyclingThe role of deposit return systems and infrastructureHow fragmented recycling programs limit performanceWhat truly scales in aluminum circularity—and what doesn’tThis episode is especially relevant for professionals in:aluminum recycling, scrap processing, MRF operations, sustainability strategy, and industrial manufacturing.🎧 Listen to understand what’s really holding recycling back—and what could finally move the needle This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

January 7, 202644 min

Tariffs, Automation & Safety in Foundries

In this episode of the Dirty Scrap Podcast, we sit down with Nick from High Temperature Systems to discuss what’s really happening on the foundry floor in 2025.We cover:Why tariffs didn’t translate into new investmentSupply chain disruptions and rising lead timesThe gap between automation and operational know-howSafety risks tied to preheating, training, and process disciplineA practical conversation for anyone working with molten metal, recycling, or foundry operations.🎧 Listen, learn, and stay sharp. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

December 3, 202542 min

Why the Metal Industry Is Changing Faster Than Ever — And Who Will Survive It

In this conversation, Aldo shares more than 20 years of experience across operations, commercial strategy, logistics, and global metal trading. We explore how the industry is evolving and what new generations need to know as they enter the field.Topics CoveredImmigration, workforce shortages & generational knowledge lossWhy younger talent is not entering manufacturing — and how to fix itHow tariffs and Section 232 are reshaping risk, pricing, and investmentGlobal competition: What Asia & Europe do differentlyTechnology adoption and why the U.S. is behindRecycling rates: Why the U.S. lags and what’s needed to improveMarket uncertainty and pricing strategy in volatile timesThe real challenges recyclers face in sourcing manpowerVertical integration and why aluminum is leading over copperHow small & mid-size yards can scale using new commercial modelsThe role of mentorship, conferences, and knowledge-sharing in the next decadeGuestAldo — Founder of The Metal Agency, with extensive background in operations, sourcing, international trading, and commercial optimization in the non-ferrous sector.Why This Episode MattersIf you're in metals, manufacturing, recycling, logistics, or plant operations, this conversation gives you actionable clarity on where the industry is heading and what leaders need to prepare for. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

November 5, 202552 min

TARIFFS vs SCRAP: WHO WINS?

Guest: Amy Hinton, North American Scrap Editor — FastmarketsHost: Julio Quintero, Dirty Scrap PodcastTopics discussed:Tariffs and their real impact on U.S. producers and recyclersThe nearshoring dilemma: cost, energy, and complianceTransparency vs. complexity in the new trade environmentLabor and energy challenges for aluminum smeltersThe evolving U.S.–Mexico–Canada (USMCA) trade dynamicMarket volatility and the role of Fastmarkets in providing clarityTakeaway:👉 The metals market is being reshaped by tariffs, transparency, and turbulence — and those who adapt fastest will define the next decade of U.S. recycling and production. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

October 1, 202539 min

Novelis 2030: The Race Toward 75% Recycled Aluminum

In this episode of Dirty Scrap, host Julio Quintero sits down with Beatriz Landa, VP of Metal Procurement & Planning at Novelis, to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities shaping the aluminum industry.From her unique journey — professional soccer player, lawyer, McKinsey consultant, and now a senior executive at Novelis — to leading strategies that aim for 75% recycled content by 2030, Beatriz shares an inspiring perspective on leadership, sustainability, and industry transformation.🔑 What you’ll learn in this episode:How the aluminum market shifted from a seller’s to a buyer’s market in just months.Why tariffs and policy uncertainty in Washington are reshaping supply chains.The role of scrap flexibility and technology in boosting recycling efficiency.Novelis’ long-term strategy: 75% recycled content and The story behind Women in Novelis and how diversity initiatives are changing plant culture.Insights on recycling rates: Why Europe hits 90–95% UBC recovery while the U.S. lags at 45–50%.Why collaboration between primary and secondary aluminum is essential for the industry’s future.✨ Beatriz also delivers a strong message to women in manufacturing: “This industry is exciting, growing, and sustainable — we need more women to join us.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

September 5, 202512 min

How Will the U.S.–Canada Relationship Evolve? Aluminum as a Key Indicator

What will the U.S.–Canada relationship look like in 2025?Aluminum has become the real thermometer of this bilateral relationship:📉 Trade tensions with tariffs ranging from 25% to 50%⚡ A shared climate agenda focused on recycling and decarbonization🏭 Direct impact on automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging🔧 Technological opportunities: induction furnaces, continuous billet casting, and scrap drying/decoating systemsIn this video we explore:The interdependence of aluminum trade between the U.S. and CanadaThe effects of Section 232 and retaliatory measuresHow sustainability and carbon policies could unite both nationsThe emerging opportunities for industry and technology providers👉 Subscribe for more insights on the future of aluminum, recycling, and manufacturing in North America.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments: are we facing a long-term trade war, or just another chapter in the story of two inevitable allies?#Aluminum #USCanada #Recycling #Manufacturing #Trade This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

September 3, 202547 min

The Long Way Home: Connecting Recycling, Sustainability, and Human Realities”

Dirty Scrap Podcast 🎙️ | The Long Way HomeIn this episode, we dive into The Long Way Home — a project that goes beyond aluminum and recycling to explore the human side of sustainability.🌍 Coming from Colombia, where poverty is a daily reality, I connect my personal story with the global challenges of equity, industry, and environmental responsibility.We talk about:♻️ Why sustainability in aluminum is also a social issue🚀 How recycling and circular economy projects expand into new industries🌐 The role of purpose-driven initiatives like The Long Way Home in shaping a better future👉 Don’t miss this conversation about aluminum, recycling, and the deeper meaning of sustainability.💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — how do you see the link between industry and social impact?#DirtyScrapPodcast #TheLongWayHome #Aluminum #Recycling #Sustainability #CircularEconomyhttps://lwhome.org/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit julioquintero.substack.com

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing

More Business podcasts

SowGrow Marketing Council

sgmc

BusinessMarketing

Toldjya Finance Podcast

Zac Huish, Cameron Cooke, and Paul Lamb

BusinessInvesting