AS METAL took part in the second edition of MaterialFEST, an event organised by the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest through the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering — an essential platform for dialogue, innovation and connection between academia and the materials industry.
Day 1: MaterialFEST 2025 opens with impact
The event began with an opening conference that brought together professionals from academia, industry leaders and representatives of public institutions. Strategic perspectives were shared on the role of advanced materials in transforming modern industries, with a focus on:
● safety and infrastructure,
● mobility and transport,
● the environment and the circular economy,
● digitalisation and Industry 4.0.
Speakers and guests of the inaugural session:
● Radu Ștefănoiu – Dean, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering
● Mihnea Costoiu – Rector, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest
● Corneliu Mănescu – Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation, Entrepreneurship and Tourism
● Marin Cilanu – General Director, ALRO
● Octavian Schen – General Director, State Mint
● Irinel-Alexandru Precup – ISU “Dealul Spirii” Bucharest–Ilfov
● Andrei Rudolf Corlan – National Environmental Guard
● Eusebiu Pistru – Romanian Automotive Registry
● Corneliu Revencu – Apel Industries
Throughout the first day, the AS METAL stand was visited by students, professors, industry professionals and representatives of public institutions interested in sustainable and circular solutions in the aluminium industry.
Day 2: Research, circularity and the future of materials
On the second day, Constantin Apostol, CEO of AS METAL, took part as a speaker in the panel “Scientific research in support of the transition towards a circular economy in the field of materials”, held in the Senate Hall and moderated by Associate Professor Mihai Buțu.
The discussions focused on:
● the role of aluminium recycling in reducing CO₂ emissions,
● the integration of emerging Industry 4.0 technologies,
● responsibility in the use of materials,
● the opportunities created by the transition to a circular economy.
AS METAL’s participation in this panel underlines the company’s commitment to:
● innovation in the aluminium industry,
● transparency in processes and impact,
● collaboration between industry, academia and the research sector.
Two days dedicated to education, innovation and sustainability
The closing of MaterialFEST 2025 marks an important moment for AS METAL. The company’s presence at the event provided the opportunity to:
● strengthen existing partnerships,
● explore new directions for collaboration,
● present real solutions for a cleaner and more responsible materials industry,
● inspire young engineers and researchers towards the field of aluminium recycling.
The atmosphere over the two days was defined by constructive dialogue, innovative ideas and a shared vision: the sustainable transformation of the materials sector.
Acknowledgements
AS METAL thanks everyone who visited the stand, took part in the discussions and contributed to the success of this edition, as well as the organisers for the invitation, their involvement and the impeccable structure of the event.
It was a valuable experience that opens up new opportunities for the future. AS METAL has a long-standing relationship with the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, built over decades, and the fact that we returned to MaterialFEST again this year — after taking part in the first edition — confirms our commitment to education, collaboration and progress.