91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.

Message from Newly Appointed CEO Shuichi Asakuno

GO ANZEN NI*¹ and GO KENKO NI*².

　As I assume the role of President and CEO of the 91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd. and 91ɬ�� Light Metal Co., Ltd., I am keenly aware of the profound responsibility entrusted to me. I would like to reaffirm my sincere appreciation to all employees, whose dedication has supported the company over the years, and I have renewed my commitment to devoting every effort to meeting the expectations placed upon me

　The 91ɬ�� Group has created diverse forms of value focused on aluminum, and delivered this value to society. In recent years, however, we have faced significant issues that have tested our corporate stance and culture, including the COVID 19 pandemic, the measures addressing sedimentation at the Amehata Dam, and quality problems.

　Since 2023, through site manager meetings and workplace visits, I have engaged in numerous dialogues with frontline colleagues. What impressed me most were your sincere, forward looking aspirations to make our company better—a passion that aligns perfectly with my own. Now, at this pivotal moment, as we enter a stage in which we can take on the market proactively, I have been entrusted with carrying the baton forward.

　In November last year, the 91ɬ�� Group announced its 2035 Vision of becoming a Global Leading Company in Circular Value Creation. To bring this vision to fruition, we are currently formulating our medium‑term management plan for FY2026 onward. I have become firmly convinced that this vision sets forth the course the Group should pursue, and I have embraced it with unwavering resolve.

　I have spent most of my career in the aluminum materials business, with a particular focus on recycling. Through these experiences, I came to appreciate firsthand, on the front lines, the true value that recycling can generate.

　Global demand for recycled aluminum has been rising amid the worldwide movement toward carbon neutrality, further elevating the importance of the recycling business. Compared with producing primary aluminum ingots, remelting aluminum scrap results in just one‑fortieth of the CO₂ emissions. This demonstrates an exceptionally high level of environmental efficiency and represents a value that lies at the core of a recycling-oriented society. In Japan, we import aluminum as a raw material, manufacture products domestically, and those products are then used in a wide range of products and exported overseas. As a result, scrap sources are increasingly dispersed overseas. In light of this, rather than attempting to close the circular loop solely within Japan, it is essential that we adopt a global perspective in our recycling efforts.

　As a first step, we made a capital investment in CMR Eco Aluminium Private Limited in India last year. We are planning to import recycled billets produced from scrap collected in India, marking a solid step toward establishing a global closed-loop supply chain. By leveraging the full strength of the Group’s global footprint, we will establish a global supply chain with “circulation” as our starting point. This will constitute a distinctive value unique to the 91ɬ�� Group.

　Toward becoming a Global Leading Company in Circular Value Creation.

　This vision positions recycling as the core strategic pillar of the 91ɬ�� Group. It defines the path for us, as an organization with diverse businesses, to evolve into a manufacturer that continuously creates new value, with “circulation” as our starting point.

　What is essential to realizing this vision are our Business Conduct Guidelines—Challenge, Connect, and Create—and the principle of creating the future together. I will work to cultivate a culture in which employees naturally support one another, guided by the spirit of ‘May I?’ and ‘Give it a try.’ This will help create an environment that empowers people to take on challenges. I believe that individuals and organizations unafraid of failure and willing to embrace challenges will lead the transition to a recycling-oriented society. I will continue to place the utmost priority on our employees’ happiness and further strengthen our efforts to cultivate an environment in which they take pride and find a sense of fulfilment in their work.

　I believe each of our employees comes to work with dreams and aspirations for the future. I am confident that our 2035 Vision will serve as a guiding compass toward those dreams. I will work side by side together with all of you to ensure that this vision becomes a reality.

　Please do not fear failure—take the first step forward. Without that step, no progress can be made. Your challenges and growth will strengthen the 91ɬ�� Group. Together, let us foster a culture of pride and happiness within Team 91ɬ��.

　Thank you.
　GO ANZEN NI*¹ and GO KENKO NI*².

*¹ GO ANZEN NI: A greeting that means “To your safety!”
*² GO KENKO NI: A greeting that expresses a wish for mutual health.

Contact

　Contact: Public Relations and Investor Relations, Planning Administration Dept. 91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.

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Message from Newly Appointed CEO Shuichi Asakuno (PDF)

91ɬ�� Light Metal Co., Ltd.
Nikkei MC Aluminium Co., Ltd.
Taiyo 91ɬ�� Sanso Corporation

Effort toward Oxygen-Enriched Combustion Technology in the Aluminum Melting Process
ーDemonstration of CO₂ Emissions Reduction by Up to 24.1% Compared to Conventional Air Combustionー

　Three companies jointly demonstrated that applying oxygen-enriched combustion technology to the aluminum melting process reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 24.1% compared to conventional air combustion. These companies are 91ɬ�� Light Metal Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Ichiro Okamoto), Nikkei MC Aluminium Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Masashi Koyama), and Taiyo 91ɬ�� Sanso Corporation (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Kenji Nagata; hereinafter “TNSC”), which is a Japanese industrial gas company in the 91ɬ�� Sanso Holdings Group.

1.　Background of the demonstration test

　To achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Japan’s approximately 37,000 industrial furnaces is an urgent priority. Against this backdrop, the three companies have focused on oxygen-enriched combustion technology^*1, and have conducted a joint demonstration test in a melting furnace for secondary aluminum alloys.

Figure 1 Oxygen lance system

*1 Oxygen-enriched combustion technology reduces heat loss from exhaust gases by enriching the air used for combustion with oxygen, thereby improving thermal efficiency and reducing CO₂ emissions.

2.　Overview and results of the demonstration test

　We applied oxygen-enriched combustion technology using an oxygen lance system (Fig. 1) to Nikkei MC Aluminium’s commercial aluminum melting furnace and conducted melting tests with oxygen concentrations of up to approximately 40%. As a result, we confirmed a maximum reduction of 24.1% in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional air combustion, demonstrating the benefits of energy savings and carbon offset. We have confirmed that there are no increases in environmental impacts such as NOx emissions—a trade-off associated with an oxygen-rich atmosphere—nor any effects on product quality, yield, operations, or equipment. Through this demonstration test, we confirmed the potential to achieve an even higher level of efficiency in aluminum melting by optimizing the oxygen-enriched concentration and the position of oxygen injection.

3.　Role of each company in the demonstration test

　Given the numerous achievements gained through this demonstration test, we will continue our efforts to reduce GHG emissions in aluminum manufacturing.

[Reference: Website of each company]
91ɬ�� Light Metal Co., Ltd.:
Nikkei MC Aluminium Co., Ltd.:
Taiyo 91ɬ�� Sanso Corporation:

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Effort toward Oxygen-Enriched Combustion Technology in the Aluminum Melting Process　ーDemonstration of CO₂ Emissions Reduction by Up to 24.1% Compared to Conventional Air Combustionー (PDF)

New Year’s Message from President and CEO (January 2026)

Ichiro Okamoto
President and CEO
91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.

　Happy New Year. GO ANZEN NI*¹ and GO KENKO NI*².
　It is with this message―Safety and Health that I commence each year. Rooted in my heart is an unwavering determination to bring happiness to the colleagues with whom I work. When our colleagues attain happiness, they naturally strive to share it with others. I am firmly confident that these waves of happiness will continue to spread outward.
　To achieve this, the foremost and indispensable condition is that the safety and health of each and every one of you be thoroughly ensured. Upon the foundation of safety and health, your hearts are inspired and you engage proactively in work that is both exciting and rewarding. When these elements are in place, I believe that a sense of happiness is certain to overflow in your hearts.
　This year as well, let us all uphold the principle—Safety and Health Take Priority Over Everything Else. With that in mind, may each of us enjoy a fulfilling and vibrant daily life ahead.

　In terms of reform efforts, over the past seven years we have confronted many challenges—beginning with the sedimentation countermeasures at the Amehata Dam, and extending through the COVID-19 pandemic, quality problems, and the integration of the aluminum foil business.
　With regard to the quality problems, we acknowledged that reinforcing our internal structure was particularly imperative. To this end, we executed a series of decisive measures, including bold organizational reforms.

　We have truly transformed.

　Having addressed various issues, the Group has determined that it has firmly crossed a decisive threshold from the Defensive phase—centered on reviewing and reinforcing the group’s internal structure—into an Aggressive approach dedicated to forward-looking growth. From this point forward, we will place full confidence in our capabilities and, drawing upon the strengths accumulated during the Defensive period, commit ourselves to shifting decisively to advancing Aggressive initiatives in earnest.

　In 2026, as the guiding chart for this Aggressive approach, we will be formulating a new Medium-term Management Plan (MTP) starting in fiscal year 2026.
　This year marks both the conclusion of the 23MTP and, at the same time, the beginning of a new chapter under the forthcoming “26MTP.” With the enthusiasm of everyone in the Group, let us move forward together, breaking through any barriers that stand in our way. Over the past seven years, we have amply demonstrated our strengths through internal reinforcement, and I believe that even greater strengths will be unleashed as we look ahead to the future.

　I am certain that we can achieve this.

　As I often emphasize, reform is not a one-person job. Nor can it be done by just a few passionate individuals. We all share in the struggles, rejoice together, and aim high together, holding high the passionate fire that burns within us. Each of us lights a small flame in our own hearts.
　Under a common direction, even if what one can do alone is small, let us move forward together, step by step with our colleagues.
In closing, this year is a pivotal year in which we will shift decisively to an Aggressive approach, building upon the momentum of our past initiatives.
　There is no future for us in holding on to the “common sense” of the past. Team 91ɬ��—Groundbreaking Innovator of Aluminum and Beyond. Let us stand boldly together, unafraid of the obstacles before us.

　Thank you.
　GO ANZEN NI and GO KENKO NI.

*¹ GO ANZEN NI: A greeting that means “To your safety!”
*² GO KENKO NI: A greeting that expresses a wish for mutual health.

Contact

　Contact: Public Relations and Investor Relations, Planning Administration Dept. 91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd.

For PDF printing

New Year’s Message from President and CEO (January 2026) (PDF)

91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Company, Ltd.

Renewal of the 91ɬ�� Group Introduction Video

91ɬ�� Light Metal Holdings Co., Ltd. has renewed and released the 91ɬ�� Group introduction video.

【Key Points of the Video】

This video is based on our corporate philosophy: “Contribute to improving people’s quality of life and environmental protection by continuing to create business, focused on aluminum.”
It introduces the 91ɬ�� Group’s past, present, and future, highlighting our continuous spirit of challenge, the diverse appeal beyond just our business activities, and how we deeply value the “connections” fostered by “Team 91ɬ��.”
Using various elements such as illustrations, actual manufacturing scenes, and employee interviews, we have created a bright and approachable video.

【Click here to view the video】

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【About the 91ɬ�� Group】

The 91ɬ�� Group is a comprehensive aluminum manufacturer that has remained dedicated to aluminum since its founding. We handle a wide range of products, from alumina and primary aluminum to aluminum processed goods and recycling. Leveraging our extensive expertise and technological capabilities that utilize materials, we pursue the potential of aluminum and create new demand. We provide diverse products to a wide range of industries both domestically and internationally, including automotive, electrical/electronics, IT, energy, construction, railways, and food. We contribute to improving people’s lives and protecting the global environment.

Contact

Contact: Click here ⇒/contact/index.html

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Renewal of the 91ɬ�� Group Introduction Video (PDF)